Zoom lens, optical apparatus and method for manufacturing the zoom lens

ABSTRACT

A first lens group (G 1 ) having positive refractive power, a second lens group (G 2 ) having negative refractive power, a third lens group (G 3 ) having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group (G 4 ) having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group (G 5 ) having positive refractive power are arranged in order from an object, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group (G 1 ) is composed of three or more lenses, the fourth lens group (G 4 ) is composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group (G 5 ) is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied. 
       8.40&lt; f 1/(− f 2)  (1)
         where, f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group (G 1 ), and   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group (G 2 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a zoom lens, optical apparatus and method for manufacturing the zoom lens.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a zoom lens, which is composed of, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and in which zooming is performed by moving each lens group, is proposed (for instance, refer to Patent Document 1).

Conventionally, a zoom lens, which is composed of, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and in which zooming is performed by moving each lens group, is proposed (for instance, refer to Patent Document 2).

Conventionally, as a zoom lens having a high zooming rate, a zoom lens, which comprises, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and in which zooming is performed by moving each lens group, is proposed (for instance, refer to Patent Document 1).

PRIOR ARTS LIST Patent Document

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.     2012-98699 (A) -   Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.     2013-164455 (A)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the conventional zoom lenses, the zooming rates are limited to approximately 50 times, thus it is difficult to ensure good performance with a higher zooming rate than that.

The conventional zoom lenses would not have sufficient optical performance.

Means to Solve the Problems

A zoom lens according to a first present invention comprises, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group is composed of three or more than three lenses, the fourth lens group is composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and the following conditional expression is satisfied.

8.40<f1/(−f2)

-   -   where,     -   f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group, and     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group.

A zoom lens according to a second present invention comprises, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group is composed of three or more lenses, the fourth lens group is composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and the following conditional expression is satisfied.

5.80<Dt12/(−f2)

-   -   where,     -   Dt12 denotes a distance on an optical axis from an image side         surface of the first lens group in a telephoto end state to an         object side surface of the second lens group, and     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group.

A zoom lens according to a third present invention comprises, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group is composed of three or more lenses, the fourth lens group is composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and the following conditional expressions are satisfied.

0.01<D1/ft<0.15

0.70<Zidwt/Fnwt<1.10

-   -   where,     -   D1 denotes a distance on an optical axis from the object side         surface of the first lens group to the image side surface,     -   ft denotes a focal length of a whole system in a telephoto end         state,     -   βt4 denotes magnification of the fourth lens group in the         telephoto end state,     -   βt5 denotes magnification of the fifth lens group in the         telephoto end state,     -   βw4 denotes magnification of the fourth lens group in the wide         angle end state,     -   βw5 denotes magnification of the fifth lens group in the wide         angle end state,     -   Fnt denotes an f number in the telephoto end state, and Fnw         denotes an f number in the wide angle end state.     -   Note that the following definitions are applicable.

Zidwt={(1−βt4{circumflex over ( )}2)*βt5{circumflex over ( )}2}/{(1−βw4{circumflex over ( )}2)*βw5{circumflex over ( )}2}

Fnwt=Fnt/Fnw

A zoom lens according to a fourth present invention comprises, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group is composed of three or more lenses, and the fifth lens group moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and the following conditional expression is satisfied.

0.020<(−f2)/ft<0.031

-   -   where,     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group in the         telephoto end state, and     -   ft denotes a focal length of a whole system in the telephoto end         state.

A zoom lens according to a fifth present invention comprises, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and the following conditional expressions is satisfied.

33.00<ft/(−f2)<46.00

1.60<(Fnt·f1)/ft<2.30

43.00<β2t·β3t/β2w·β3w)<65.00

-   -   where,     -   ft denotes a focal length of a whole system in a telephoto end         state,     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group,     -   Fnt denotes an F value in the telephoto end state,     -   f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group,     -   β2t denotes magnification of the second lens group in the         telephoto end state,     -   β3t denotes magnification of the third lens group in the         telephoto end state,     -   β2w denotes magnification of the second lens group in a wide         angle end state, and     -   β3w denotes magnification of the third lens group in the wide         angle end state.

An optical apparatus according to the present invention is equipped with any one of the zoom lenses according to the first to fifth present inventions.

A method for manufacturing a zoom lens according to the first present invention is a method for manufacturing a zoom lens comprising, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group is composed of three or more lenses, the fourth lens group is composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and each lens is disposed within a lens barrel so that the following conditional expression is satisfied.

8.40<f1/(−f2)

-   -   where,     -   f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group, and     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group.

A method for manufacturing a zoom lens according to the second present invention is a method for manufacturing a zoom lens comprising, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens, and the first lens group is composed of three or more lenses, the fourth lens group is composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and each lens is disposed within a lens barrel so that the following conditional expression is satisfied.

5.80<Dt12/(−f2)

-   -   where,     -   Dt12 denotes a distance on an optical axis from an image side         surface of the first lens group in the telephoto end state to an         object side surface of the second lens group, and     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group.

A method for manufacturing a zoom lens according to the third present invention is a method for manufacturing a zoom lens comprising, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group is composed of three or more lenses, the fourth lens group is composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and each lens is disposed within a lens barrel so that the following conditional expressions are satisfied.

0.01<D1/ft<0.15

0.70<Zidwt/Fnwt<1.10

-   -   where,     -   D1 denotes a distance on an optical axis from an object side         surface of the first lens group to an image side surface,     -   ft denotes a focal length of a whole system in the telephoto end         state,     -   βt4 denotes magnification of the fourth lens group in the         telephoto end state,     -   βt5 denotes magnification of the fifth lens group in the         telephoto end state,     -   βw4 denotes magnification of the fourth lens group in the wide         angle end state,     -   βw5 denotes magnification of the fifth lens group in the wide         angle end state,     -   Fnt denotes an f number in the telephoto end state, and     -   Fnw denotes an f number in the wide angle end state.     -   Note that the following definitions are applicable.

Zidwt={(1−βt4{circumflex over ( )}2)*βt5{circumflex over ( )}2}/{(1−βw4{circumflex over ( )}2)*βw5{circumflex over ( )}2}

Fnwt=Fnt/Fnw

A method for manufacturing a zoom lens according to the fourth present invention is a method for manufacturing a zoom lens comprising, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group is composed of three or more lenses, and the fifth lens group moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and each lens is disposed within a lens barrel so that the following conditional expression is satisfied.

0.020<(−f2)/ft<0.031

-   -   where,     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group in the         telephoto end state, and     -   ft denotes a focal length of a whole system in the telephoto end         state.

A method for manufacturing a zoom lens according to the fifth present invention is a method for manufacturing a zoom lens comprising, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and each lens is disposed within a lens barrel so that the following conditional expressions are satisfied.

33.00<ft/(−f2)<46.00

1.60<(Fnt·f1)/ft<2.30

43.00<β2t·β3t/(β2w·β3w)<65.00

-   -   where,     -   ft denotes a focal length of a whole system in the telephoto end         state,     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group, Fnt denotes         an F value in the telephoto end state,     -   f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group,     -   β2t denotes magnification of the second lens group in the         telephoto end state,     -   β3t denotes magnification of the third lens group in the         telephoto end state,     -   β2w denotes magnification of the second lens group in the wide         angle end state, and     -   β3w denotes magnification of the third lens group in the wide         angle end state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 1, where (W) depicts a wide angle end state, (M) depicts an intermediate focal length state, and (T) depicts positions of each lens group in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens according to Example 1, where FIG. 2A depicts a wide angle state, FIG. 2B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 2C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 2, where (W) depicts a wide angle end state, (M) depicts an intermediate focal length state, and (T) depicts a position of each lens group in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens according to Example 2, where FIG. 4A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 4B depicts an intermediate focal length status, and FIG. 4C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 3, where (W) depicts a wide angle end state, (M) depicts an intermediate focal length state, and (T) depicts a position of each lens group in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens according to Example 3, where FIG. 6A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 6B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 6C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 7A is a front view of a digital still camera, and FIG. 7B is a rear view of the digital still camera.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view along arrows A1-A1′ in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a zoom lens according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a zoom lens according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 4, where (W) depicts a wide angle end state, (M) depicts an intermediate focal length state, and (T) depicts a position of each lens group in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens according to Example 4, where FIG. 12A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 12B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 12C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 5, where (W) depicts a wide angle end state, (M) depicts an intermediate focal length end state, and (T) depicts a position of each lens in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding a zoom lens according to Example 5, where FIG. 14A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 14B depicts an intermediate focal length status, and FIG. 14C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 15 illustrates a sectional view showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 6, where (W) depicts a wide angle end state, (M) depicts an intermediate focal length state, and (T) depicts a position of each lens group in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens according to Example 6, where FIG. 16A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 16B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 16C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 17 illustrates a sectional view showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 7, where (W) depicts a wide angle end state, (M) depicts an intermediate focal length state, and (T) depicts a position of each lens group in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding a zoom lens according to Example 7, where FIG. 18A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 183 depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 18C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 19 illustrates a sectional view showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 8, where (W) denotes a wide angle end state, (M) denotes an intermediate focal length state, and (T) denotes a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding a zoom lens according to Example 8, where FIG. 20A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 20B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 20C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 21 illustrates a sectional view showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 9, where (W) depicts a wide angle end state, (M) depicts an intermediate focal length state, and (T) depicts a position of each lens group in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity of the zoom lens according to Example 9, where FIG. 22A depicts a wide angle end state,

FIG. 22B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 22C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 23A is a front view of a digital still camera, and FIG. 23B is a rear view of the digital still camera.

FIG. 24 illustrates a sectional view along arrows A2-A2′ in FIG. 23A.

FIG. 25 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the zoom lens according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 26 illustrates a diagram showing a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 10 and movement footages (indicated in arrows) of each group from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens according to Example 10, where FIG. 27A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 27B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 27C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 28 illustrates a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 11 and a diagram showing movement footages (indicated in arrows) of each group from wide angle end state to a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens according to Example 11, where FIG. 29A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 29B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 29C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 30 illustrates a configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 12 and a diagram showing movement footages (indicated in arrows) of each group from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 31A, 31B and 31C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding a zoom lens according to Example 12, where FIG. 31A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 31B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 31C depicts a telephoto end state.

FIG. 32 illustrates a configuration of a camera equipped with the zoom lens according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 33 illustrates a diagram showing an outline of a method for manufacturing the zoom lens according to the fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS (FIRST AND SECOND EMBODIMENTS)

A first embodiment will be now described with reference to the drawings. A zoom lens ZLI according to the first embodiment comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group G1 is composed of three or more lenses, the fourth lens group G4 is composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group G5 is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state. With this arrangement, it is possible to achieve high zoom magnification.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first embodiment, the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied.

8.40<f1/(−f2)  (1)

-   -   where, f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group G1, and     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group G2.

The conditional expression (1) is a conditional expression for reducing spherical aberration, astigmatism, and chromatic aberration.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (1) because the refractive power of the first lens group G1 relatively becomes excessively large, it is advantageous to achieve a small size, however it becomes difficult to correct lateral chromatic aberration and spherical aberration in a telephoto end state. When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (1) because the refractive power of the second lens group G2 relatively becomes excessively small, the total length is enlarged in order to secure a high zooming rate. Here, so as to maintain a small size of the optical system, the refractive power of the first lens group G1 must be enlarged, and spherical aberration in a telephoto end state gets worse.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (1) to 9.50. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (1) to 10.50.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (1) to 20.00. When deceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (1), spherical aberration, astigmatism, and chromatic aberration become further smaller, therefore it is preferable. In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (1) to 17.50. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (1) to 15.00.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (2) is satisfied.

2.70<βt3/βw3  (2)

-   -   where, βt3 denotes magnification of the third lens group G3 in a         telephoto end state, and     -   βw3 denotes magnification of the third lens group G3 in a wide         angle end state.

The conditional expression (2) is a conditional expression for reducing spherical aberration variation upon zooming.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (2), the third lens group G3 excessively makes less contribution upon zooming, therefore the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 are needed to cover much more zoom actions. Here, so as to maintain the small size of the optical system, when enlarging the refractive power of the first lens group G1, spherical aberration in a telephoto end state and chromatic aberration covering all zoom range gets worse. So as to maintain the small size of the whole optical system, when enlarging the refractive power of the second lens group G2, it becomes difficult to correct axial chromatic aberration in a telephoto end state and astigmatism covering all zoom range.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (2) to 2.70. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (2) to 3.50. In order to additionally ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (2) to 4.00.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (2) to 10.00. When deceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (2), spherical aberration variation upon zooming becomes smaller, therefore it is preferable. In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (2) to 8.00. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (2) to 6.00.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (3) is satisfied.

5.80<Dt12/(−f2)  (3)

-   -   where, Dt12 denotes a distance on the optical axis from an image         side surface of the first lens group G1 in a telephoto end state         to an object side surface of the second lens group G2.

The conditional expression (3) is a conditional expression for reducing spherical aberration, lateral chromatic aberration, and axial chromatic aberration, and securing good optical performance.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (3), a distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 in a telephoto end state remarkably becomes small, therefore the refractive power of the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 excessively become large. When the refractive power of the first lens group G1 becomes large, it becomes difficult to correct, especially, lateral chromatic aberration and spherical aberration in a telephoto end state. When the refractive power of the second lens group G2 becomes large, it becomes difficult to correct axial chromatic aberration.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (3) to 7.50. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (3) to 8.40. In order to additionally ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (3) to 9.40.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (3) to 20.00. When deceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (3), spherical aberration, lateral chromatic aberration and axial chromatic aberration become small, therefore it is preferable. In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (3) to 16.00. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the first embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (3) to 13.00.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that the fourth lens group G4 is composed of two lenses, and these two lenses are cemented with each other. With this arrangement, it is possible to effectively correct chromatic aberration. By reducing power of each lens surface, it is possible to suppress performance degradation upon manufacturing.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that the fifth lens group G5 is composed of two lenses, and these two lenses are cemented with each other. With this arrangement, it is possible to effectively correct chromatic aberration. By reducing power of each lens surface, it is possible to suppress performance degradation upon manufacturing.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that the second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from an object, a negative lens, a negative lens, a positive lens, and a negative lens. With this arrangement, it is possible to effectively correct astigmatism covering all zoom range and axial chromatic aberration in a telephoto end state.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that the third lens group G3 comprises, in order from an object, a positive lens, a negative lens, a negative lens, and a positive lens. With this arrangement, it is possible to correct coma aberration and spherical aberration at every a wavelength in a telephoto end state with good balance.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first embodiment, it is preferable that focusing is performed by moving the fourth lens group G4 along the optical axis. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent performance degradation upon focusing. However, it is also possible that focusing is performed using other groups, such as the fifth lens group G5, etc.

According to the zoom lens ZLI set forth in the first embodiment equipped with the configurations above, although it is high zoom magnification, the zoom lens having good optical performance can be realized.

FIGS. 7A and 7B, and FIG. 8 illustrate a configuration of a digital still camera CAM1 (optical apparatus) as an optical apparatus equipped with the zoom lens ZLI. In the digital still camera CAM, when pressing an unillustrated power button, an unillustrated shutter of an imaging lens (ZL) opens, then light from a subject (object) are collected by the imaging lens (ZL), and forms an image on an imaging element C (for example, a CCD or CMOS, etc.) disposed on an image surface I (refer to FIG. 1). The image of the subject formed by the imaging element C is displayed on a liquid crystal display monitor M provided behind the digital still camera CAM. A photographer shoots, after deciding a composition of the image of the subject while looking at the liquid crystal display monitor M, the image of the subject by pressing a shutter release button B1, and this is recorded to an unillustrated memory. As mentioned above, the photographer can shoot the subject with the camera CAM1.

In the camera CAM1, an auxiliary light emitting unit EF1, which emits auxiliary light when the subject is dark, and a function button B12, etc. used for various conditional settings, etc. of the digital still camera CAM1 are also disposed.

Here, exampling a compact-type camera in which the camera CAM1 is integrated with the zoom lens ZLI, however, as an optical apparatus, it is also applicable to a single-lens reflex camera in which a lens barrel having the zoom lens ZLI is detachable and attachable with a camera body.

According to the camera CAM1 set forth in the first embodiment equipped with the configurations above, by equipping the zoom lens ZLI as an imaging lens, although it is high zoom magnification, a camera having good optical performance can be realized.

Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the zoom lens ZLI above is explained with reference to FIG. 9. Firstly, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power are arranged within a lens barrel in order from an object, and each lens is disposed so that zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group (Step ST110). Each lens is disposed in the lens barrel so that the first lens group G1 is composed of three or more lenses (Step ST120). Each lens is disposed in the lens barrel so that the fourth lens group G4 is composed of two or less lenses (Step ST130). Each lens is disposed in the lens barrel so that the fifth lens group G5 is composed of two or less lenses, and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state (Step ST140). Each lens is disposed so that the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied (Step ST150).

8.40<f1/(−f2)  (1)

-   -   where, f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group G1, and     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group G2.

Exampling a lens arrangement according to the first embodiment, in order from the object as shown in FIG. 1, a first lens group G1 is configured by arranging a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing an image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object, the second lens group G2 is configured by arranging a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a biconcave negative lens L22, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a biconcave negative lens L24, the third lens group G3 is configured by arranging a biconvex positive lens L31, a biconvex positive lens L32 and a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L34 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L35, the fourth lens group G4 is configured by arranging a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L41 and a biconcave negative lens L42, and the fifth lens group G5 is configured by arranging a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. Each lens group prepared as above is disposed in the procedures above, and the zoom lens ZLI is manufactured.

According to the manufacturing method set forth in the first embodiment, although it is high zoom magnification, it is possible to manufacture the zoom lens ZLI having good optical performance.

A second embodiment will be now described with reference to the drawings. A zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group G1 is composed of three or more lenses, and the fourth lens group G4 is composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group G5 is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state. With this arrangement, it is possible to achieve high zoom magnification.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, the following conditional expression (4) is satisfied.

5.80<Dt12/(−f2)  (4)

-   -   where, Dt12 denotes a distance on the optical axis from the         image side surface of the first lens group G1 in a telephoto end         state to the object side surface of the second lens group G2,         and     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group G2.

The conditional expression (4) is a conditional expression for reducing spherical aberration, lateral chromatic aberration and axial chromatic aberration, and securing good optical performance.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (4), a distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 in a telephoto end state remarkably becomes small, therefore the refractive power of the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 excessively become large. When the refractive power of the first lens group G1 becomes large, it becomes difficult to correct, especially, lateral chromatic aberration and spherical aberration in a telephoto end state. When the refractive power of the second lens group G2 becomes large, it becomes difficult to correct axial chromatic aberration.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (4) to 7.50. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (4) to 8.40. In order to additionally ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (4) to 8.90.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (4) to 20.00. When deceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (4), spherical aberration, lateral chromatic aberration and axial chromatic aberration become smaller, thus it is preferable. In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (4) to 16.00. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (4) to 13.00.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (5) is satisfied.

0.03<Mv2/ft  (5)

-   -   where, Mv2 denotes amount of movement of the second lens group         G2 from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and     -   ft denotes a focal length of a whole system in a telephoto end         state.

The conditional expression (5) is a conditional expression for reducing axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (5), the amount of movement of the second lens group G2 upon zooming remarkably become small, therefore it is necessary to enlarge the refractive power of the second lens group G2, thereby it becomes difficult to suppress a variation of the chromatic aberration upon zooming. Although it is possible to deal with it by enlarging the amount of movement of the first lens group G1, the front lens diameter becomes large, therefore it becomes difficult to achieve a small size.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (5) to 0.05. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (5) to 0.07.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (6) is satisfied.

0.01<D1/ft<0.15  (6)

-   -   where, D1 denotes a distance on the optical axis from the object         side surface of the first lens group G1 to the image side         surface, and     -   ft denotes a focal length of the whole system in a telephoto end         state.

The conditional expression (6) is a conditional expression for reducing variations of lateral chromatic aberration and spherical aberration upon zooming.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (6), the thickness of the first lens group G1 excessively becomes thin, therefore in order to secure the refractive power of the first lens group G1, it is necessary to enlarge the refracture index of the positive lens in the first lens group G1, thereby it becomes difficult to correct lateral chromatic aberration in a telephoto end state.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (6) to 0.03. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (6) to 0.05.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (6), the thickness of the first lens group G1 excessively becomes large, therefore the ray height from the optical axis in a wide angle end state becomes large, thereby the front lens diameter is enlarged. Although it can be dealt with to an extent by enlarging the refractive power of the second lens group G2, it becomes difficult to suppress a variation of chromatic aberration upon zooming.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (6) to 0.10. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (6) to 0.07.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (7) is satisfied.

0.70<Zidwt/Fnwt<1.10  (7)

-   -   Note that the following definitions are applicable.

Zidwt={(1−βt4{circumflex over ( )}2)*βt5{circumflex over ( )}2}/{(1−βw4{circumflex over ( )}2)*βw5{circumflex over ( )}2}

Fnwt=Fnt/Fnw

-   -   where, βt4 denotes magnification of the fourth lens group G4 in         a telephoto end state,     -   βt5 denotes magnification of the fifth lens group G5 in the         telephoto end state,     -   βw4 denotes magnification of the fourth lens group G4 in a wide         angle end state,     -   βw5 denotes magnification of the fifth lens group G5 in the wide         angle end state,     -   Fnt denotes an f number in the telephoto end state, and     -   Fnw denotes an f number in the wide angle end state.

The conditional expression (7) is a conditional expression for reducing variations of curvature of field, astigmatism and spherical aberration upon zooming, shortening a focus time upon focusing on a short-distance object with the fourth lens group G4. Note that Zidwt denotes a ratio of coefficients in the telephoto end state and wide angle end state, which shows amount of movement of an imaging position when lenses move. Fnwt denotes a ratio of the f number in the telephoto end state and wide angle end state.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (7) because the value of Zidwt relatively becomes small, the magnification of the fifth lens group G5 excessively becomes small in a telephoto end state, therefore it becomes difficult to suppress variations of astigmatism and curvature of field due to strong shrinking magnification working on. When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (7) because a value of Fnwt relatively becomes large, the f number in a wide angle end state becomes small, therefore it becomes difficult to correct spherical aberration.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (7) to 0.80. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (7) to 0.95.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (7) because the value of Zidwt relatively becomes large, the magnification of the fifth lens group G5 excessively becomes large in the telephoto end state, therefore it becomes difficult to achieve a small size. Although it can be dealt with by raising the refractive power of the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, it becomes difficult to correct spherical aberration in a telephoto end state, and suppress variations of curvature of field and astigmatism upon zooming. When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (7) because the value of Fnwt relatively becomes small, the f number in the telephoto end state becomes small, therefore it becomes difficult to correct spherical aberration.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (7) to 1.05.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (8) is satisfied.

2.70<βt3/βw3  (8)

-   -   where, βt3 denotes magnification of the third lens group G3 in a         telephoto end state, and     -   βw3 denotes magnification of the third lens group G3 in a wide         angle end state.

The conditional expression (8) is a conditional expression for reducing a variation of spherical aberration upon zooming.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (8) because contribution of the third lens group G3 upon zooming excessively becomes small, it is necessary to have more zooming actions with the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. Here, if the refractive power of the first lens group G1 is raised so as to maintain to achieve a small size of the optical system, spherical aberration in a telephoto end state and chromatic aberration covering all zoom range will get worse. If the refractive power of the second lens group G2 is raised so as to maintain to achieve a small size of the whole optical system, it becomes difficult to correct axial chromatic aberration in a telephoto end state and astigmatism covering all zoom range.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (8) to 3.00. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (8) to 3.50.

In order to additionally ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (8) to 10.00. When deceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (8), the spherical aberration variation upon zooming becomes smaller, thus it is preferable. In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (8) to 8.00. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (8) to 6.00.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (9) is satisfied.

8.40<f1/(−f2)  (9)

-   -   where, f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group G1.

The conditional expression (9) is a conditional expression for reducing spherical aberration, astigmatism, and chromatic aberration.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (9) because the refractive power of the first lens group G1 relatively becomes large, it is advantageous to achieve a small size, however it becomes difficult to correct lateral chromatic aberration and spherical aberration in a telephoto end state. When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (9) because the refractive power of the second lens group G2 relatively becomes small excessively, the total length is enlarged in order to secure a high zooming rate. Here, in order to maintain to achieve a small size of the optical system, the refractive power of the first lens group G1 must be raised, therefore spherical aberration in a telephoto end state will get worse.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (9) to 9.00. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (9) to 10.00. In order to additionally ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (9) to 11.00.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (9) to 20.00. When deceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (9), spherical aberration, astigmatism, and chromatic aberration become smaller, thus it is preferable. In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (9) to 17.50. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the second embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (9) to 15.00.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the fourth lens group G4 is composed of two lenses, and these two lenses are cemented with each other. With this arrangement, it is possible to effectively correct chromatic aberration. It is possible to suppress performance degradation upon manufacturing by reducing each power of each lens surface.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the fifth lens group G5 is composed of two lenses, and these two lenses are cemented with each other. With this arrangement, it is possible to effectively correct chromatic aberration. By reducing each power of each lens surface, it is possible to suppress performance degradation upon manufacturing.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative lens, a negative lens, a positive lens, and a negative lens. With this arrangement, it is possible to effectively correct astigmatism covering all zoom range, and axial chromatic aberration in a telephoto end state.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the third lens group G3 comprises, in order from the image, a positive lens, a negative lens, a negative lens, and a positive lens. With this arrangement, it is possible to correct coma aberration and spherical aberration at every wave length in a telephoto end state with a good balance.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that focusing is performed by moving the fourth lens group G4 along the optical axis direction. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent performance degradation upon focusing. However, focusing may be performed using other groups, such as the fifth lens group G5, etc.

According to the zoom lens ZLI set forth in the second embodiment equipped with the configurations above, although it is high zoom magnification, a zoom lens having good optical performance can be realized.

FIGS. 7A and 7B, and FIG. 8 illustrate configurations of a digital still camera CAM1 (optical apparatus) as an optical apparatus equipped with the zoom lens ZLI above. This digital still camera CAM has the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, and the configurations are already described, thus descriptions thereof are now omitted.

According to the camera CAM1 set forth in the second embodiment equipped with the configurations above, although it is high zoom magnification, by having the zoom lens ZLI above as an imaging lens, a camera having good optical performance can be realized.

Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the zoom lens ZLI above is explained with reference to FIG. 10. Firstly, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power are arranged in order from the object, and each lens is disposed in a lens barrel so that zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group (Step ST210). Each lens is disposed in the lens barrel so that the first lens group G1 is composed of three or more lenses (Step ST220). Each lens is disposed in the lens barrel so that the fourth lens group G4 is composed of two or less lenses (Step ST230). Each lens is disposed in the lens barrel so that the fifth lens group G5 is composed of two or less lenses and moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state (Step ST240). Each lens is arranged so that the following conditional expression (4) is satisfied (Step ST250).

5.80<Dt12/(−f2)  (4)

-   -   where, Dt12 denotes a distance on the optical axis from the         image side surface of the first lens group G1 in a telephoto end         state to the object side surface of the second lens group G2,         and     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group G2.

Exampling a lens configuration according to the second embodiment, in order from the object as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first lens group G1 comprises a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object, the second lens group G2 comprises a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a biconcave negative lens L22, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a biconcave negative lens L24, the third lens group G3 comprises a biconvex positive lens L31, a biconvex positive lens L32 and a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L34 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L35, the fourth lens group G4 comprises a biconvex positive lens L41 and a biconcave negative lens L42, and the fifth lens group G5 comprises a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. Each lens group prepared in the procedures above is disposed, and the zoom lens ZLI is manufactured.

According to the manufacturing method set forth in the second embodiment, although it is high zoom magnification, it is possible to manufacture the zoom lens ZLI having good optical performance.

Examples According to First and Second Embodiments

Each example according to the first and second embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 are sectional views showing configurations and refractive power distribution of the zoom lens ZLI (ZL1 to ZL3) according to each example.

Each reference sign regarding FIG. 1 according to Example 1 is used independently for every example, in order to avoid complicating explanations due to swelling of the digit number of reference signs. Therefore, even if attached with the same reference signs as those in drawings according to other examples, this does not necessarily mean the same configurations as those in the other examples.

Tables 1 to 3 are illustrated below, these are tables according to Examples 1 to 3.

In each example, d-line (wave length of 587.6 nm), g-line (wave length of 435.8 nm), C-line (wave length of 656.3 nm), and F-line (wave length of 486.1 nm) are selected as subjects for calculating aberration characteristics.

In [Lens data] in tables, a surface number means an order of each optical surface from the object side along a direction in which light travels, R means a radius of curvature of each optical surface, D means a surface distance showing a distance on the optical axis from each optical surface to the next optical surface (or image surface), nd means a refractive index against d-line of a material of an optical member, and νd means an Abbe number on the basis of d-line of the material of the light member. (Variable) means a variable distance between surfaces, “∞” of a radius of curvature means a plane or an aperture, (Stop S) means an aperture stop S, and an image surface means an image surface I. The refractive index “1.00000” of air is omitted. In a case the optical surface is an aspherical surface, a sign “*” is assigned to the surface number, and a paraxial radius of curvature is shown in a column of a radius of curvature R.

In [Aspherical surface data] in tables, regarding the aspherical surfaces in [Lens data], the configuration is defined by the following expression (a). X(y) means a distance along the optical axis direction from a tangent plane in a vertex of the aspherical surface to a position on the aspherical surface at a height y, and R means a radius of curvature (paraxial radius of curvature) of a criterion spherical surface, κ means a conic constant, and, Ai means an i-th aspherical surface coefficient. “E−n” means “x10-^(n).” For example, it is 1.234E−05=1.234×10-⁵. Note that the secondary aspherical surface coefficient A2 is 0, and its description is omitted.

X(y)=(y ² /R)/{1+(1−κ×y ² /R ²)^(1/2) }+A4×y ⁴ +A6×y ⁶ +A8×y ⁸ +A10×y ¹⁰   (a)

In [General data] in tables, f means a focal length of a whole lens system, and FNo means an f number, ω means an half angle of view (maximum incident angle, unit: °), Y means an image height, Bf means a distance on the optical axis from the lens last surface to the paraxial image surface, Bf(air) means what a distance from the lens last surface to the paraxial image surface is described in air-equivalent length, TL means a total lens length (what is Bf is added to a distance on the optical axis from the lens first surface to the lens last surface), and TL (air) means what is Bf(air) is added to a distance on the optical axis from the lens forefront surface to the lens last surface.

In [Variable distance data] in tables, values Di of a variable distance in each state of a wide angle end state, an intermediate focal length state, and a telephoto end state are shown. Note that Di means a variable distance between an i-th surface and an (i+1)-th surface.

In [Lens group data] in tables, a focal length and the lens forefront surface regarding each lens group are shown.

In [conditional expression] in tables, values corresponding to the above conditional expressions (1) to (9) are shown.

Hereinafter, in all general data values, regarding the focal length f, a radius of curvature R, a surface distance D, and other lengths, etc. as shown, “mm” is generally used except a specific request, however an optical system is not limited to the above, since equivalent optical performance can be obtained even if the optical system is proportionally scaled. The unit is not limited to “mm,” another appropriate unit is available, instead.

The explanations concerning the tables are common among all the examples, thus hereinafter the explanation is omitted.

Example 1

Example 1 is described using FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, and Table 1. The zoom lens ZLI (ZL1) according to Example 1 comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a biconcave negative lens L22, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a biconcave negative lens L24.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a biconvex positive lens L32, a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L34 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L35.

Both side surfaces of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L41 and a biconcave negative lens L42.

An object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L41 is aspherical.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the objects, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object.

The object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L51 is aspherical.

An aperture stop S is provided on an object side of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the light quantity.

The filter FL is provided on the image side of the fifth lens group G5. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL1 according to the present example, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, all lens groups from the first lens group G1 to the fifth lens group G5 are moved so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side. The second lens group G2 is moved once to the image surface, and afterward moved to the object side. The third lens group G3 is moved to the object side. The fourth lens group G4 is moved once to the object side, and afterward moved to the object side. The fifth lens group G5 is moved to the image surface side. The aperture stop S is moved to the object side together with the third lens group G3.

The following Table 1 shows values of each data in Example 1. The surface numbers 1 to 33 in Table 1 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m33 shown in FIG. 1.

TABLE 1 [Lens Data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 1098.9825 1.8000 1.804000 46.5977  2 79.1099 8.8106 1.437001 95.1004  3 −239.9403 0.1000  4 82.2574 6.1989 1.496997 81.6084  5 1523.9054 0.1000  6 89.9100 5.6000 1.496997 81.6084  7 768.6046 D7(Variable)  8 107.6966 1.0000 1.834810 42.7334  9 11.6443 5.5064 10 −25.3488 0.7000 1.834810 42.7334 11 92.8811 0.1774 12 24.8647 3.3358 1.922860 20.8804 13 −36.0593 0.9641 14 −18.9977 1.3410 1.834810 42.7334 15 684.6171 D15(Variable) 16 ∞ 0.7500 (Stop S) *17  17.1514 3.0050 1.589130 61.1500 *18  −67.5172 1.1196 19 20.6602 3.2736 1.496997 81.6084 20 −54.9465 0.1000 21 116.0203 0.6000 1.834000 37.1838 22 14.8071 1.3307 23 2815.9221 0.6000 1.720467 34.7080 24 21.6373 4.3258 1.603000 65.4413 25 −18.9606 D25(Variable) *26  44.9637 1.8886 1.672700 32.1855 27 −37.2442 0.6000 1.670000 57.3496 28 12.1780 D28(Variable) *29  17.6808 2.1729 1.618750 63.7334 30 −23.9691 1.0000 1.846663 23.7848 31 −75.0000 D31(Variable) 32 ∞ 0.8000 1.516800 63.8807 33 ∞ Bf Image ∞ surface [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 17 0.0785 6.8202E−06 9.2770E−08 3.6522E−11 0.0000E+00 18 0.3350 6.7762E−05 2.5527E−08 1.2890E−10 0.0000E+00 26 1.0000 −5.2516E−06  2.2052E−06 −2.8016E−07  1.0265E−08 29 1.0000 1.7725E−06 −1.3037E−06  6.7078E−08 0.0000E+00 [General Data] Zooming rate 78.22 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 4.430 39.000 346.502 Fno 2.00257 4.19533 6.60712 ω 42.9497 5.7616 0.6533 Bf 0.530 0.530 0.530 Bf(Air) 6.665 2.996 1.557 TL 132.6704 166.9200 195.1357 TL(Air) 132.398 166.647 194.863 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end D7 0.90176 63.00443 91.08694 D15 58.14079 16.93034 2.02752 D25 5.94269 20.40134 20.00000 D28 4.34707 6.91470 23.79095 D31 5.60788 1.93891 0.50000 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal number surface length G1 1 114.32333 G2 8 −10.09770 G3 16 19.86940 G4 26 −25.80086 G5 29 27.37196 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(1) f1/(−f2) = 11.322 Conditional Expression(2) βt3/βw3 = 3.629 Conditional Expression(3) Dt12/(−f2) = 9.021 Conditional Expression(4) Dt12/(−f2) = 9.021 Conditional Expression(5) Mv2/ft = 0.080 Conditional Expression(6) D1/ft = 0.065 Conditional Expression(7) Zidwt/Fnwt = 0.962 Conditional Expression(8) βt3/βw3 = 3.629 Conditional Expression(9) f1/(−f2) = 11.322

Based on Table 1, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL1 according to Example 1 the conditional expressions (1) to (9) are satisfied.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens ZL1 according to Example 1 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 2A depicts a wide angle state, FIG. 2B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 2C depicts a telephoto end state.

In each graph showing aberrations, FNO means an f number, and A means a half angle of view (unit: °) against each image height. d indicates an aberration at d-line, g indicates an aberration at g-line, C indicates an aberration at C-line, and F indicates an aberration at F-line. What is not described with these means an aberration at d-line. In graphs showing a sagittal image surface, a solid line indicates a meridional image surface. Note that also in graphs showing aberrations of each example described below, the same signs are used as those in the present example.

As it is obvious each graph showing aberrations in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, It is found that in the zoom lens ZL1 according to Example 1, various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding imaging performance is obtained.

Example 2

Example 2 is described using FIG. 3, FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, and Table 2. The zoom lens ZLI (ZL2) according to Example 2 comprises, as shown in FIG. 3, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a biconcave negative lens L22, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a biconcave negative lens L24.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L34.

Both side surfaces of the biconvex positive lens L31 is aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L41 and a biconcave negative lens L42.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object.

The object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L51 is aspherical.

An aperture stop S is provided on an object side of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the light quantity.

The filter FL is provided on the image side of the fifth lens group G5. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL2 according to the present example, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, all lens groups from the first lens group G1 to the fifth lens group G5 are moved so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side. The second lens group G2 is moved to the image surface side. The third lens group G3 is moved to the object side. The fourth lens group G4 is moved to the object side. The fifth lens group G5 is moved to the image surface side. The aperture stop S is moved to the object side together with the third lens group G3.

The following Table 2 shows values of each data in Example 2. The surface numbers 1 to 31 in Table 2 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m31 shown in FIG. 3.

TABLE 2 [Lens Data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 484.4033 2.3000 1.785900 44.1699  2 85.0000 7.3809 1.437001 95.1004  3 −350.5228 0.1000  4 86.0152 6.2000 1.497820 82.5713  5 6404.7076 0.1000  6 94.9006 5.0000 1.497820 82.5713  7 317.0879 D7(Variable)  8 285.0282 1.0000 1.834810 42.7334  9 13.4140 6.1209 10 −28.9721 0.8000 1.834810 42.7334 11 65.6936 0.5807 12 26.2967 2.8915 1.922860 20.8804 13 −49.9285 0.9100 14 −23.5354 0.7000 1.696800 55.5204 15 67.7824 D15(Variable) 16 ∞ 0.7500 (Stop S) *17  12.7205 3.0000 1.553319 71.6846 *18  −64.8335 2.6500 19 27.1737 1.0000 1.903658 31.3150 20 13.1901 3.0000 21 18.1149 0.5000 1.785900 44.1699 22 11.1100 3.5000 1.497820 82.5713 23 −30.9288 D23(Variable) 24 81.6464 2.3146 1.531720 48.7796 25 −53.0701 0.5000 1.497820 82.5713 26 17.0991 D26(Variable) *27  23.8500 1.9271 1.589130 61.1500 28 −24.7549 0.5000 1.717360 29.5729 29 −65.0000 D29(Variable) 30 ∞ 0.7100 1.516800 63.8807 31 ∞ Bf Image ∞ surface [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 17 1.0000 −2.3567E−05 −8.3836E−07 2.3372E−08 0.0000E+00 18 1.0000  5.9006E−05 −9.6651E−07 3.2880E−08 −7.9949E−11  27 1.0000 −5.6440E−05 −8.8494E−07 1.2292E−08 0.0000E+00 [General Data] Zooming rate 78.22 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 4.430 39.218 346.505 Fno 2.87575 4.65096 6.47791 ω 43.2096 5.7207 0.6537 Bf 1.300 1.300 1.300 Bf(Air) 6.524 3.775 2.167 TL 133.3685 171.8996 199.8660 TL(Air) 133.127 171.658 199.623 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end D7 0.75000 64.61154 96.27731 D15 60.13384 18.41985 1.80999 D23 3.49384 17.87410 20.68068 D26 8.50000 13.25234 24.96239 D29 4.75515 2.00614 0.40000 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal number surface length G1 1 121.16789 G2 8 −10.01637 G3 16 21.08324 G4 24 −46.26883 G5 27 32.98244 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(1) f1/(−f2) = 12.097 Conditional Expression(2) βt3/βw3 = 3.941 Conditional Expression(3) Dt12/(−f2) = 9.612 Conditional Expression(4) Dt12/(−f2) = 9.612 Conditional Expression(5) Mv2/ft = 0.084 Conditional Expression(6) D1/ft = 0.061 Conditional Expression(7) Zidwt/Fnwt = 1.034 Conditional Expression(8) βt3/βw3 = 3.941 Conditional Expression(9) f1/(−f2) = 12.097

Based on Table 2, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL2 according to Example 2, the conditional expressions (1) to (9) are satisfied.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens ZL2 according to Example 2 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 4A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 4B depicts an intermediate focal length status, and FIG. 4C depicts a telephoto end state.

As it is obvious from each graph showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL2 according to Example 2, various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding imaging performance is obtained.

Example 3

Example 3 is described using FIG. 5, FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, and Table 3. The zoom lens ZLI (ZL3) according to Example 3 comprises, in order from the object as shown in FIG. 5, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a cemented lens composed of a biconcave negative lens L22 and a biconvex positive lens L23, and a negative meniscus lens L24 having a concave surface facing the object.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L34.

Both side surfaces of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L41 and a biconcave negative lens L42.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface to the object.

The object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L51 is aspherical.

An aperture stop S is provided on an object side of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the light quantity.

The filter FL is provided on the image side of the fifth lens group G5. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL3 according to the present example, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, all lens groups from the first lens group G1 to the fifth lens group G5 are moved so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side. The second lens group G2 is moved once to the object side, and afterward moved to the object side. The third lens group G3 is moved to the object side. The fourth lens group G4 is moved once to the object side, and afterward moved to the object side. The fifth lens group G5 is moved to the image surface side. The aperture stop S is moved to the object side together with the third lens group G3.

The following Table 3 shows values of each data in Example 3. The surface numbers 1 to 30 in Table 3 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m30 shown in FIG. 5.

TABLE 3 [Lens Data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 684.3944 2.3000 1.785900 44.1699  2 88.5883 7.4292 1.437001 95.1004  3 −286.7900 0.1000  4 87.7854 6.0709 1.497820 82.5713  5 4722.6942 0.1000  6 94.2199 4.7668 1.497820 82.5713  7 336.7415 D7(Variable)  8 179.2706 1.0000 1.834810 42.7334  9 14.6897 5.9573 10 −25.1944 0.8000 1.744000 44.8042 11 17.2656 3.4603 1.922860 20.8804 12 −64.8896 1.2728 13 −19.4404 0.7000 1.785900 44.1699 14 −82.5000 D14(Variable) 15 ∞ 0.7500 (Stop S) *16  12.4672 2.6305 1.553319 71.6846 *17  −59.9456 2.3724 18 25.5702 0.9990 1.903658 31.3150 19 12.0000 3.2000 20 19.0940 0.5000 1.804400 39.6073 21 14.0398 2.8805 1.497820 82.5713 22 −24.1660 D22(Variable) 23 93.5777 2.2752 1.531720 48.7796 24 −24.8694 0.5000 1.497820 82.5713 25 14.9217 D25(Variable) *26  25.2736 1.8147 1.589130 61.1500 27 −27.4400 0.5000 1.805180 25.4483 28 −65.0000 D28(Variable) 29 ∞ 0.7100 1.516800 63.8807 30 ∞ Bf Image ∞ surface [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 16 1.0000 −3.4837E−05 −3.7395E−07 4.0089E−09 0.0000E+00 17 1.0000  5.8798E−05 −3.9831E−07 5.8745E−09 0.0000E+00 26 1.0000 −1.1977E−04  1.5724E−06 −4.7608E−08  0.0000E+00 [General Data] Zooming rate 78.22 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 4.430 39.179 346.504 Fno 3.09863 4.57242 6.84974 ω 43.4725 5.6976 0.6510 Bf 1.300 1.300 1.300 Bf(Air) 5.375 4.055 2.168 TL 134.7637 168.1698 200.0000 TL(Air) 134.522 167.928 199.758 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end D7 0.80000 65.29820 96.41213 D14 61.58986 16.55966 1.75000 D22 2.80178 17.33563 19.59710 D25 11.57540 12.30000 27.45116 D28 3.60706 2.28669 0.40000 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal number surface length G1 1 121.53230 G2 8 −9.68967 G3 15 19.81666 G4 23 −38.50803 G5 26 36.16627 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(1) f1/(−f2) = 12.542 Conditional Expression(2) βt3/βw3 = 4.374 Conditional Expression(3) Dt12/(−f2) = 9.950 Conditional Expression(4) Dt12/(−f2) = 9.950 Conditional Expression(5) Mv2/ft = 0.088 Conditional Expression(6) D1/ft = 0.060 Conditional Expression(7) Zidwt/Fnwt = 0.994 Conditional Expression(8) βt3/βw3 = 4.374 Conditional Expression(9) f1/(−f2) = 12.542

Based on Table 3, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL3 according to Example 3 the conditional expressions (1) to (9) are satisfied.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens ZL3 according to Example 3 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 6A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 6B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 6C depicts a telephoto end state.

As it is obvious from each graph showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL3 according to Example 3, various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding imaging performance is obtained.

In order to make the present invention understandable, the descriptions were made with elements of the embodiments, however, needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above. The following contents can be suitably adopted within a range which does not spoil the optical performance of the zoom lens of the present application.

Although five group configurations are exampled as examples of values of the zoom lens ZLI according to the first and second embodiments, however they are not limited to these configurations, therefore another group configuration (for instance, six groups, etc.) can be adopted. Specifically, this is applicable to a configuration in which a lens or a lens group is added closest to the object, or a configuration in which a lens or a lens group is added closest to the image. Note that a lens group means part which has at least one lens separated with an air distance which changes upon zooming.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first and second embodiments, in order to perform focusing from an infinity object to a short-distance object, it is appreciated that part of lens group, a whole one lens group, or a plurality of lens groups are configured to move in the optical axis direction as a focusing lens group. This focusing lens group is also applicable to autofocus, and is also suitable for motor drive for autofocus (using an ultrasonic motor, etc.). In particular, it is preferable that the fourth lens group G4 or the fifth lens group G5 is configured as a focusing lens group. It is also possible to perform zooming by concurrently moving the fourth lens group G4 and the fifth lens group G5.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first and second embodiments, each whole lens group or a partial lens group may be configured as a vibration-proof lens group to correct image blur generated due to camera shake, etc. by moving it in a manner of having a component in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, or rotating and moving (swinging) it in an inner surface direction including the optical axis. In particular, it is preferable that the third lens group G3 is configured as a vibration-proof lens group.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first and a second embodiments, a lens surface may be configured with a spherical surface or a plane, or configured with an aspherical surface. In a case that a lens surface has a spherical surface or a plane, it is possible to easily have lens processing and an assembly adjustment, and to prevent degradation of optical performance due to errors of the processing and the assembly adjustment, thus it is preferable. It is preferable because there is less degradation of depiction performance when an image surface is shifted. In a case that a lens surface has an aspherical surface, it is appreciated that the aspherical surface is formed as any one of an aspherical surface which is formed through grinding processing, a glass mold aspherical surface which glass is formed into an aspherical surface configuration using a mold, and a complexed aspherical surface which a resin is formed on a surface of glass and formed in an aspherical surface configuration. It is appreciated that a lens surface is formed as a diffractive surface, additionally a lens is formed as a graded-index lens (GRIN lens) or a plastic lens.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first and a second embodiments, it is preferable that the aperture stop S is disposed in the third lens group G3, or in its vicinity, however, instead of providing a member as an aperture stop, the role may be substituted with a frame of the lens.

In the zoom lens ZLI according to the first and second embodiments, an antireflection film having high transmittivity in a large wavelength band may be applied to each lens surface in order to reduce flare and ghost and attain high optical performance with high contrast.

Description of the Embodiments (Third Embodiment)

An embodiment is now described with reference to the drawings. A zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment comprises, as shown in FIG. 11, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power, and zooming is performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group G1 is composed of three or more lenses, and the fifth lens group G5 moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and the following conditional expression (10) is satisfied.

0.020<(−f2)/ft<0.031  (10)

-   -   where, f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group G2 in         a telephoto end state, and     -   ft denotes a focal length of the whole system in a telephoto end         state.

The conditional expression (10) is a conditional expression for reducing coma aberration and spherical aberration upon zooming.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (10), the refractive power of the second lens group G2 in a telephoto end state excessively becomes strong. For this reason, refractive power is needed be strengthen similarly concerning another lens group. If the refractive power of the first lens group G1 is strengthened, it becomes difficult to correct coma aberration and spherical aberration in a telephoto end state. If the refractive power of the third lens group G3 is strengthened, spherical aberration in the third lens group G3 becomes large, and coma aberration and spherical aberration within all zoom range will get worse.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (10), the refractive power of the second lens group G2 in a telephoto end state excessively becomes weak. For this reason, refractive power is needed to be weakened similarly concerning another lens group. If the refractive power of the first lens group G1 is weakened, the total length of the lens barrel excessively becomes long, therefore when trying to maintain the size of the lens barrel, it is necessary to strengthen the refractive power of the third lens group G3, the spherical aberration in the third lens group G3 becomes large, thereby spherical aberration and coma aberration will get worse within all zoom range. If the refractive power of the third lens group G3 is weakened, the total length of the lens barrel becomes long, therefore when trying to maintain the size of the lens barrel, it is necessary to strengthen the refractive power of the first lens group G1, and the spherical aberration in the first lens group G1 becomes large, thereby coma aberration and spherical aberration in a telephoto end state get worse.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the third embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (10) to 0.024.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expressions (11) and (12) are satisfied.

74.00<AVE1Grpνd<80.00  (11)

36.00<G1νd<48.00  (12)

-   -   where, AVE1Grpνd denotes an average of an Abbe number on the         basis of d-line of a lens in the first lens group G1, and     -   G1νd denotes an Abbe number on the basis of d-line of the lens         L11 disposed closest to the object side of the first lens group         G1.

The conditional expression (11) is a conditional expression for reducing generation of axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration. When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (11), the average value of the Abbe number of lenses configuring the first lens group G1 against the focal length of the whole system in a telephoto end state becomes small, therefore it becomes difficult to suppress the axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration. When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (11), the average value of the Abbe number of the lenses configuring the first lens group G1 against the focal length of the whole system in a telephoto end state becomes large. This means that the lenses configuring the first lens group G1 generally have weak refractive power. If the refractive power of the first lens group G1 becomes weak, the size of the lens barrel becomes long, therefore when strengthening the refractive power of the third lens group G3 by trying to maintain the size of the lens barrel, it becomes difficult to suppress spherical aberration and coma aberration.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the third embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (11) to 74.50.

The conditional expression (12) is a conditional expression for reducing generation of axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration. When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (12), the Abbe number of the lens L11 in the first lens group G1 disposed closest to the object side of the first lens group G1 against the focal length of the whole system in a telephoto end state, therefore it becomes difficult to suppress the axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration. When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (12), the Abbe number of the lens L11 in the first lens group G1 becomes large against the focal length of the whole system in a telephoto end state, therefore the refractive power of the lens generally becomes weak. When the refractive power of the lens L11 disposed closest to the object becomes weak as above, it becomes difficult to suppress chromatic aberration, therefore it is necessary to weaken the refractive power of the lens L12 in order to suppress chromatic aberration, as a result, the refractive power in the first lens group G1 becomes weak, thereby the size of the lens barrel becomes long. When strengthening the refractive power of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of trying to maintain the size of the lens barrel, it becomes difficult to suppress spherical aberration and coma aberration.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the third embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (12) to 37.00.

In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the third embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (12) to 47.50.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (13) is satisfied.

100.00<D12t/D12w<140.00.  (13)

-   -   where, D12t denotes an air distance between the first lens group         G1 and the second lens group G2 in a telephoto end state, and     -   D12w denotes an air distance between the first lens group G1 and         the second lens group G2 in a wide angle end state.

The conditional expression (13) is a conditional expression for reducing generation of lateral chromatic aberration, coma aberration, and spherical aberration upon zooming. When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (13), the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 in a telephoto end state excessively becomes narrow, therefore it is necessary to strengthen the refractive power of the first lens group G1. Then, if the refractive index of the positive lens in the first lens group G1 is raised, it becomes difficult to correct lateral chromatic aberration, coma aberration, and spherical aberration in a telephoto end state. When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (13), the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 in a telephoto end state excessively becomes large, therefore the total length of the lens barrel becomes long. While the refractive power of the first lens group G1 is needed to weakened, this can be dealt with to some extent by raising the refractive power of the second lens group G2, however it becomes difficult to suppress a variation of chromatic aberration upon zooming.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the third embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (13) to 105.00.

In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the third embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (13) to 138.00.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (14) is satisfied.

12.34<β2t/β2w<14.40.  (14)

-   -   where, β2t denotes magnification of the second lens group G2 in         a telephoto end state, and     -   β2w denotes magnification of the second lens group G2 in a wide         angle end state.

The conditional expression (14) is a conditional expression for reducing a variation of coma aberration and spherical aberration upon zooming. When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (14), the contribution of the second lens group G2 upon zooming excessively becomes small. That is, it is necessary for the third lens group G3 to cover much more zoom actions. If the refractive power of the third lens group G3 is strengthened so as to maintain the size of the lens barrel, it becomes difficult to correct spherical aberration in a telephoto end state, and coma aberration and spherical aberration within all zoom range. When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (14), the contribution of the second lens group G2 upon zooming excessively becomes large. When the amount of movement of the second lens group G2 is large, it becomes difficult to maintain the size of the lens barrel. If the refractive power of the second lens group G2 is strong, it becomes difficult to collect coma aberration and aspherical aberration within all zoom range.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the third embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (14) to 14.35.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (15) is satisfied.

0.04<f3/ft<0.06  (15)

-   -   where, f3 denotes a focal length of the third lens group G3 in a         telephoto end state.

The conditional expression (15) is a conditional expression for reducing a variation of the spherical aberration upon zooming. When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (15), the refractive power of the third lens group G3 in a telephoto end state excessively become strong. Then, the spherical aberration in the third lens group G3 becomes large. It becomes difficult to correct coma aberration and spherical aberration within all zoom range. When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (15), the refractive power of the third lens group G3 in a telephoto end state excessively become weak. As a result, the amount of movement of the third lens group G3 becomes large, therefore it becomes difficult to maintain the size of the lens barrel. If the refractive power of the first lens group G1 is strengthened so as to maintain the size of the lens barrel, it becomes difficult to correct coma aberration and spherical aberration within all zoom range.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the third embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (15) to 0.045.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, it is preferable that the third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a positive lens, a negative lens, a negative lens, and a positive lens.

With this arrangement, it is possible to correct coma aberration and spherical aberration at every wavelength in a telephoto end state with a good balance.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, it is preferable that the third lens group G3 has at least one aspherical lens.

With this arrangement, it is possible to appropriately correct spherical aberration and coma aberration.

According to the zoom lens ZLII set forth in the third embodiment equipped with the above configurations, although it is high zoom magnification, it is possible to realize the zoom lens having good optical performance.

FIGS. 23A and 23B, and FIG. 24 illustrate configurations of the digital still camera CAM2 (optical apparatus) as an optical apparatus equipped with the zoom lens ZLII. In the digital still camera CAM2, when pressing an unillustrated power button, an unillustrated shutter of an imaging lens (Zoom lens ZLII) opens, then light from a subject (object) are collected by the imaging lens (Zoom lens ZLII), and forms an image on an imaging element C (for example, a CCD or CMOS, etc.) disposed on an image surface I (refer to FIG. 11). The image of the subject formed by the imaging element C is displayed on a liquid crystal display monitor M provided behind the digital still camera CAM. A photographer shoots, after deciding a composition of the image of the subject while looking at the liquid crystal display monitor M, the image of the subject by pressing a shutter release button B1, and this is recorded to an unillustrated memory.

In the camera CAM2, an auxiliary light emitting unit EF2, which emits auxiliary light when the subject is dark, and a function button B22, etc. used for various conditional settings, etc. of the digital still camera CAM2 are also disposed. Here, exampling a compact-type camera in which the camera CAM2 is integrated with the zoom lens ZLII, however, as an optical apparatus, it is also applicable to a single-lens reflex camera in which a lens barrel having the zoom lens ZLII is detachable and attachable with a camera body.

According to the camera CAM2 set forth in the third embodiment equipped with the configurations above, by carrying the zoom lens ZLII as an imaging lens, although it is high zoom magnification, it is possible to realize a camera having good optical performance.

Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the zoom lens ZLII is explained with reference to FIG. 25. Firstly, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power are arranged in a lens barrel in order from the object, and each lens is disposed so that zooming is performed by changing distance between each lens group (Step ST310). At this point, each lens is disposed so that the first lens group G1 is composed of three or more lenses (Step ST320). Each lens is disposed so that the fifth lens group G5 moves to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state (Step ST330). Each lens is disposed so that the following conditional expression (10) is satisfied (Step ST340).

0.020<(−f2)/ft<0.031  (10)

-   -   where, f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group G2 in         a telephoto end state, and     -   ft denotes a focal length of the whole system in the telephoto         end state.

Exampling a lens arrangement according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, in order from the object, the first lens group G1 is configured to dispose a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a convex surface facing the object and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object, the second lens group G2 is configured to dispose a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a negative meniscus lens L22 having a concave surface facing the object, and a biconvex positive lens L23, a biconcave negative lens L24, the third lens group G3 is configured to dispose a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L34, the fourth lens group G4 is configured to dispose a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L41 and a biconcave negative lens L42, and the fifth lens group G5 is configured to dispose a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. Each lens group prepared in the procedures above is arranged, and the zoom lens ZLII is manufactured.

According to a method for manufacturing the zoom lens ZLII, although it is high zoom magnification, it is possible to manufacture the zoom lens having good optical performance.

Examples According to Third Embodiment

Each example according to the third embodiment is described based on the drawings. Tables 4 to 9 are illustrated below, these are tables according to Examples 4 to 9.

Each reference sign regarding FIG. 11 according to Example is used independently for every example, in order to avoid complicating explanations due to swelling of the digit number of reference signs. Therefore, even if attached with the same reference signs as those in the drawings according to other examples, this does not necessarily mean the same configurations as those in the other examples.

In each example, C-line (wave length of 656.3 nm), d-line (wave length of 587.6 nm), F-line (wave length of 486.1 nm), and g-line (wave length of 435.8 nm) are selected as subjects for calculating aberration characteristics.

In [Lens data] in tables, a surface number means an order of each optical surface from the object side along a direction in which light travels, R means a radius of curvature of each optical surface, D means a surface distance showing a distance on the optical axis from each optical surface to the next optical surface (or image surface), nd means a refractive index against d-line of a material of an optical member, and ν d means an Abbe number on the basis of d-line of a material of the light member. Object surface means an object surface, (Variable) means a variable distance between surfaces, “∞” of a radius of curvature means a plane or an aperture, (Stop S) means an aperture stop S, and an image surface means an image surface I. The refractive index “1.0000” of air is omitted. In a case the optical surface is an aspherical surface, a sign “*” is assigned to the surface number and a paraxial radius of curvature is shown in a column of a radius of curvature R.

In [Aspherical surface data] in tables, regarding the aspherical surfaces in [Lens data], the configuration is defined by the following expression (a). X(y) means a distance along the optical axis direction from a tangent plane in a vertex of the aspherical surface to a position on the aspherical surface at a height y, and R means a radius of curvature (paraxial radius of curvature) of a criterion spherical surface, κ means a conic constant, and, Ai means an i-th aspherical surface coefficient. “E-n” means “×10^(−n).” For example, it is 1.234E-05=1.234×10-⁵. Note that the secondary aspherical surface coefficient A2 is 0, and its description is omitted.

X(y)=(y ² /R)/{1+(1−κ×y ² /R ²)^(1/2) }+A4×y ⁴ +A6×y ⁶ +A8×y ⁸ +A10×y ¹⁰   (a)

In [General data] in tables, f means a focal length of a whole lens system, and Fno means an f number, ω means an half angle of view (maximum incident angle, unit: °), Y means an image height, BF means a distance on the optical axis from the lens last surface to the paraxial image surface, TL means a total lens length (what is Bf is added with a distance on the optical axis from the lens forefront surface to the last image surface) However, Bf (air) and TL (air) show air equivalent values based on the filter FL.

In [Variable distance data] in tables, values Di of a variable distance in each state of a wide angle end state, an intermediate focal length state, and a telephoto end state are shown. Note that Di means a variable distance between an i-th surface and an (i+1)-th surface.

In [Lens group data] in tables, G means a group number, the first surface means a surface number closest to the object side of each group, the group focus length means a focal length od each group.

In [conditional expressions] in tables, values corresponding to the above conditional expressions (10) to (15) are shown.

Hereinafter, in all general data values, regarding the focal length f, a radius of curvature R, a surface distance D, and other lengths, etc. as shown, “mm” is generally used except a specific request, however an optical system is not limited to the above, since equivalent optical performance can be obtained even if the optical system is proportionally scaled. The unit is not limited to “mm,” another appropriate unit is available, instead.

The explanations concerning the tables are common among all the examples, thus hereinafter the explanation is omitted.

Example 4

Example 4 is described using FIG. 1i , FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, and Table 4. The zoom lens ZLII according to the fourth example (ZL4) comprises, in order from an object as shown in FIG. 11, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a negative meniscus lens L22 having a concave surface facing the object, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a biconcave negative lens L24.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L34. Both side surfaces of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L41 and a biconcave negative lens L42.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. The object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L51 is aspherical.

An aperture stop S is provided on the object side of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the light quantity.

The filter FL is provided on the image side of the fifth lens group G5. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL4 according to the present example, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, all lens group from the first lens group G1 to the fifth lens group G5 are moved so that distances between each lens changes. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side. The second lens group G2 is moved once to the image surface side, and afterward moved to the object side. The third lens group G3 is moved to the object side. The fourth lens group G4 is moved once to the image surface side, and afterward moved to the object side. The fifth lens group G5 is moved to the image surface side. The aperture stop S is moved to the object side together with the third lens group G3.

The following Table 4 shows values of various data in Example 4. The surface numbers 1 to 33 in Table 4 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m33 shown in FIG. 11.

TABLE 4 [Lens Data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 334.8603 2.3000 1.7859 44.17  2 83.1077 7.0000 1.4370 95.10  3 −772.5727 0.1000  4 87.2537 5.8122 1.4978 82.57  5 1342.4159 0.1000  6 98.7260 4.5143 1.4978 82.57  7 342.9176 D7(Variable)  8 41.9147 1.0000 1.8830 40.66  9 11.9219 6.5000 10 −20.7730 0.8000 1.8348 42.73 11 −344.1828 0.1000 12 30.5891 2.6713 1.9459 17.98 13 −83.2782 1.5000 14 −19.1496 0.7000 1.6700 57.35 15 4309.2857 D15(Variable) 16 oo 0.1000 (Stop S) *17  11.4711 2.7045 1.5533 71.68 *18  −91.6831 2.9489 19 25.5216 1.0000 1.9037 31.31 20 10.5793 1.8797 21 16.4639 0.5000 1.7859 44.17 22 15.0193 3.0297 1.4978 82.57 23 −25.7395 D23(Variable) 24 115.7933 2.6797 1.5317 48.78 25 −25.8235 0.5000 1.4978 82.57 26 15.9526 D26(Variable) *27  19.2159 2.2519 1.5891 61.15 28 −20.0000 0.5000 1.7174 29.57 29 −101.2812 D29(Variable) 30 ∞ 0.2100 1.5168 63.88 31 ∞ 0.8500 32 ∞ 0.5000 1.5168 63.88 33 ∞ Bf Image ∞ surface [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 17 0.7787 −4.4127E−05   2.5417E−07 6.1315E−09 0.0000E+00 18 1.0000 1.2195E−04 −4.0857E−08 7.2014E−09 −6.1745E−11  27 −34.1326 1.0673E−04 −3.2846E−06 5.1727E−08 0.0000E+00 [General Data] Zooming rate 87.00 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 4.430 41.320 385.415 Fno 2.69789 4.62051 7.46514 ω 43.38857 5.48852 0.59127 Bf 0.400 0.400 0.400 Bf(Air) 6.253 1.750 0.942 TL 126.5640 167.9134 209.7638 TL(Air) 126.8060 168.1554 210.0058 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end D7 0.75072 67.39058 102.85326 D15 57.5468 15.77846 2.48969 D23 3.10183 20.52426 15.49812 D26 6.64433 10.19066 35.70666 D29 5.61149 1.10796 0.30000 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal number surface length G1 1 129.99999 G2 8 −10.36057 G3 17 19.81736 G4 24 −40.00000 G5 27 31.99999 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(10) (−f2)/ft = 0.027 Conditional Expression(11) AVE1Grpvd = 76.10 Conditional Expression(12) G1vd = 44.17 Conditional Expression(13) D12t/D12w = 137.01 Conditional Expression(14) β2t/β2w = 13.50 Conditional Expression(15) f3/ft = 0.051

Based on Table 4, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL4 according to the present example the conditional expressions (10) to (15) are satisfied.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens ZL4 according to Example 4 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 12A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 12B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 12C depicts a telephoto end state.

In each graph showing aberrations, FNO means an f number, and A means a half angle of view (unit: °) against each image height. d means d-line, g means g-line, C means c-line, and F means F-line. What is not described with these means an aberration according to d-line. In graphs showing astigmatism, a solid line indicates a sagittal image surface, and a dashed line indicates a meridional image surface. Note that also in graphs showing aberrations of each example described below, the same signs are used as those in the present example.

As it is obvious based on each graph showing aberrations in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, It is found that in the zoom lens ZL4 according to Example 4, various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding imaging performance is obtained.

Example 5

Example 5 is described using FIG. 13, FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, and the Table 5. The zoom lens ZLII according to the fifth example (ZL5) comprises, in order from an object as shown in FIG. 13, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a negative meniscus lens L22 having a concave surface facing the object, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a biconcave negative lens L24.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L34. Both side surfaces of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L41 and a biconcave negative lens L42.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. The object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L51 is aspherical.

An aperture stop S is provided on the object side of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting a quantity of light.

The filter FL is provided on the image side of the fifth lens group G5. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL5 according to the present example, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, all the lens groups from the first lens group G1 to the fifth lens group G5 are moved so that distances between each lens change. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side. The second lens group G2 is moved to the image surface side. The third lens group G3 is moved once to the object side, and afterward moved to the image surface side. The fourth lens group G4 is moved once to the image surface side, and afterward moved to the object side. The fifth lens group G5 is moved to the image surface side. An aperture stop S is moved to the object side together with the third lens group G3.

The following Table 5 shows values of each various data according to Example 5. The surface numbers 1 to 33 in Table 5 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m33 shown in FIG. 13.

TABLE 5 [Lens Data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 332.6865 2.3000 1.7880 47.35  2 68.7077 7.9529 1.4370 95.10  3 −792.4624 0.1000  4 75.9597 6.6000 1.4978 82.57  5 1080.6696 0.1000  6 95.1129 5.2000 1.4978 82.57  7 572.0061 D7(Variable)  8 52.5449 1.0000 1.8348 42.73  9 11.4702 5.7000 10 −19.4639 0.8000 1.8160 46.59 11 −138.4066 0.1000 12 25.9493 2.6314 1.9459 17.98 13 −143.3398 1.5000 14 −21.1331 0.7000 1.7130 53.94 15 85.8491 D15(Variable) 16 ∞ 0.1000 (Stop S) *17  9.3923 3.0788 1.5533 71.68 *18  −154.0447 2.1252 19 20.7239 1.0000 1.9108 35.25 20 8.2675 2.0000 21 10.2754 0.5000 1.7859 44.17 22 7.9325 4.0000 1.4875 70.32 23 −26.6811 D23(Variable) 24 44.3901 2.2259 1.5317 48.78 25 −233.6852 0.5000 1.4978 82.57 26 12.9802 D26(Variable) *27  17.9809 2.2407 1.5891 61.15 28 −20.0000 0.5000 1.7174 29.57 29 −147.4991 D29(Variable) 30 ∞ 0.2100 1.5168 63.88 31 ∞ 0.8500 32 ∞ 0.5000 1.5168 63.88 33 ∞ Bf Image ∞ surface [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 17 0.8353 −4.6313E−05  −3.6242E−07 2.9634E−09 0.0000E+00 18 1.0000 6.7198E−05 −4.0471E−07 1.0833E−08 −6.1745E−11  27 −0.5478 2.2570E−05 −1.3489E−06 4.5185E−08 0.0000E+00 [General Data] Zooming rate 70.00 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 4.430 37.064 310.100 Fno 2.51999 5.81666 5.6272 ω 43.39058 6.11341 0.72895 Bf 0.400 0.400 0.400 Bf(Air) 5.899 3.357 0.942 TL 116.1281 140.7703 189.7467 TL(Air) 116.3701 141.0123 189.9887 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end D7 0.75000 30.71122 94.88378 D15 47.52740 8.76826 1.87939 D23 2.92278 35.90870 20.00918 D26 5.00000 8.00000 18.01274 D29 5.25664 2.71478 0.30000 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal number surface length G1 1 119.50699 G2 8 −9.30300 G3 17 18.50000 G4 24 −39.35678 G5 27 31.99996 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(10) (−f2)/ft = 0.030 Conditional Expression(11) AVE1Grpvd = 76.90 Conditional Expression(12) G1vd = 47.35 Conditional Expression(13) D12t/D12w = 126.51 Conditional Expression(14) β2t/β2w = 14.30 Conditional Expression(15) f3/ft = 0.060

Based on Table 5, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL5 according to the present example the conditional expressions (10) to (15) are satisfied.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding a zoom lens ZL5 according to Example 5 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 14A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 14B depicts an intermediate focal length status, and FIG. 14C depicts a telephoto end state.

As it is obvious based on each graph showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL5 according to Example 5 various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding imaging performance is obtained.

Example 6

Example 6 is described using FIG. 15 and FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C, and Table 6. The zoom lens ZLII according to Example 6 (ZL6) comprises, as shown in FIG. 15, in order from the object, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a cemented lens composed of a biconcave negative lens L22 and a biconvex positive lens L23, and a negative meniscus lens L24 having a concave surface facing the object.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a positive meniscus lens L33 having a convex surface facing the object and a biconvex positive lens L34. Both sides of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a positive meniscus lens L41 having a convex surface facing the image and a biconcave negative lens L42.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. The object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L51 is aspherical.

An aperture stop S is provided on the object side of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the quantity of light.

The filter FL is provided in the image side of the fifth lens group G5. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

The zoom lens ZL6 according to the present example, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, all lens groups from the first lens group G1 to the fifth lens group G5 are moved so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side. The second lens group G2 is moved once to the image surface side, and afterward moved to the object side. The third lens group G3 is moved to the object side. The fourth lens group G4 is moved once to the image surface side, and afterward moved to the object side. The fifth lens group G5 is moved to the image surface side. An aperture stop S is moved to the object side together with the third lens group G3.

The following Table 6 shows values of each various data according to Example 6. The surface numbers 1 to 32 in Table 6 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m32 shown in FIG. 15.

TABLE 6 [Lens Data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 291.9703 2.3000 1.7859 44.17  2 72.3111 7.4243 1.4370 95.10  3 −1201.3878 0.1000  4 78.8924 6.4219 1.4978 82.57  5 1542.7728 0.1000  6 82.9135 5.2000 1.4978 82.57  7 311.2487 D7(Variable)  8 60.7024 1.0000 1.8830 40.66  9 12.9654 5.9446 10 −22.2075 0.8000 1.7440 44.80 11 16.9140 3.7500 1.9229 20.88 12 −64.8769 1.7659 13 −15.7953 0.7000 1.6968 55.52 14 −45.5525 D14(Variable) 15 ∞ 0.1000 (Stop S) 16 10.5140 2.9919 1.5533 71.68 *17  −58.4572 2.8910 *18  30.8667 1.0000 1.9037 31.31 19 9.3737 1.7411 20 14.0809 1.0000 1.7859 44.17 21 17.6611 3.0000 1.4978 82.57 22 −23.7336 D22(Variable) 23 −558.9081 2.2109 1.5317 48.78 24 −37.3536 0.5000 1.4978 82.57 25 22.4761 D25(Variable) 26 37.6571 2.0000 1.5891 61.15 *27  −20.0000 0.5000 1.7174 29.57 28 −30.9522 D28(Variable) 29 ∞ 0.2100 1.5168 63.88 30 ∞ 0.8500 31 ∞ 0.5000 1.5168 63.88 32 ∞ Bf Image ∞ surface [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 17 0.2984 2.2126E−05 −9.6783E−08 1.0853E−08 0.0000E+00 18 1.0000 7.4554E−05 −4.8732E−07 1.4048E−08 −6.1745E−11  27 15.0166 −8.4847E−05   6.1404E−08 −7.2871E−12  0.0000E+00 [General Data] Zooming rate 78.22 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 4.430 39.179 346.505 Fno 2.43455 4.13217 6.96915 ω 43.38805 5.81887 0.66236 Bf 0.400 0.400 0.400 Bf(Air) 8.065 4.492 2.081 TL 115.1645 157.4796 199.5146 TL(Air) 115.4065 157.7216 199.7566 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end D7 0.75000 59.34562 89.39655 D14 45.32590 12.31287 1.98552 D22 1.45649 18.75135 8.86102 D25 5.04939 8.04422 42.66202 D28 7.42269 3.84984 1.43902 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal number surface length G1 1 114.99999 G2 8 −9.35558 G3 16 18.46138 G4 23 −45.00007 G5 26 31.23415 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(10) (−f2)/ft = 0.027 Conditional Expression(11) AVE1Grpvd = 76.10 Conditional Expression(12) G1vd = 44.17 Conditional Expression(13) D12t/D12w = 119.20 Conditional Expression(14) β2t/β2w = 13.15 Conditional Expression(15) f3/ft = 0.053

Based on Table 6, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL6 according to the present example the conditional expressions (10) to (15) are satisfied.

FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens ZL6 according to Example 6 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 16A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 16B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 16C depicts a telephoto end state.

As it is obvious based on each group showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL6 according to Example 6, various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding imaging performance is obtained.

Example 7

Example 7 is described using FIG. 17, FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C, and the Table 7. The zoom lens ZLII according to Example 7 (ZL7) comprises, in order from the object as shown in FIG. 17, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a biconcave negative lens L22, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a negative meniscus lens L24 having a concave surface facing the object.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a biconcave negative lens L32, and a cemented lens composed of a positive meniscus lens L33 having a convex surface facing the object and a biconvex positive lens L34. Both sides of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L41 having a concave surface facing the image and a positive meniscus lens L42 having a concave surface facing the object.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. The object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L51 is aspherical.

An aperture stop S is provided on the object side of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the quantity of light.

The filter FL is provided on the image side of the fifth lens group G5. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL7 according to the present example, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, all lens groups from the first lens group G1 to the fifth lens group G5 are moved so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side. The second lens group G2 is moved to the image surface side. The third lens group G3 is moved to the object side. The fourth lens group G4 is moved once to the object side, and afterward moved to the image surface side. The fifth lens group G5 is moved to the image surface side. The aperture stop S is moved to the object side together with the third lens group G3.

The following Table 7 shows values of each various data in Example 7. The surface numbers 1 to 33 in Table 7 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m33 shown in FIG. 17.

TABLE 7 [Lens Data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 208.3815 2.3000 1.8044 39.61  2 71.5047 7.7255 1.4370 95.10  3 −765.8864 0.1000  4 74.8004 6.0964 1.4978 82.57  5 465.0253 0.1000  6 86.8705 5.2000 1.4978 82.57  7 390.6162 D7(Variable)  8 101.8391 1.0000 1.7880 47.35  9 13.9500 5.7000 10 −26.1620 0.8000 1.8348 42.73 11 19.4555 0.1000 12 19.0787 3.2308 1.9229 20.88 13 −66.5101 1.1878 14 −17.6024 0.7000 1.6968 55.52 15 −108.5090 D15(Variable) 16 ∞ 0.1000 (Stop S) *17  10.4010 3.1500 1.5533 71.68 *18  −28.5808 2.0669 19 −293.1983 1.0000 1.8830 40.66 20 10.3933 1.5000 21 16.1238 1.0000 1.7859 44.17 22 34.1322 3.0000 1.4978 82.57 23 −14.4033 D23(Variable) 24 743.7882 1.5000 1.5317 48.78 25 8.1699 1.0000 1.4978 82.57 26 16.6750 D26(Variable) *27  28.4599 2.0005 1.5891 61.25 28 −20.0000 0.5000 1.7174 29.57 29 −31.8276 D29(Variable) 30 ∞ 0.2100 1.5168 63.88 31 ∞ 0.8500 32 ∞ 0.5000 1.5168 63.88 33 ∞ Bf Image ∞ surface [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 17 0.7787 −4.4127E−05   2.5417E−07 6.1315E−09 0.0000E+00 18 1.0000 1.2195E−04 −4.0857E−08 7.2014E−09 −6.1745E−11  27 −34.1326 1.0673E−04 −3.2846E−06 5.1727E−08 0.0000E+00 [General Data] Zooming rate 67.15 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 4.430 35.716 297.466 Fno 2.60507 4.87201 5.85857 ω 43.06494 6.33115 0.76345 Bf 0.400 0.400 0.400 Bf(Air) 6.181 1.642 0.950 TL 119.7472 161.2022 174.7740 TL(Air) 119.9892 161.4442 175.0160 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end D7 0.75000 53.27134 81.00337 D15 49.83252 21.16730 1.00000 D23 2.84198 6.26878 18.82770 D26 8.01801 26.71375 20.84323 D29 5.53948 1.00000 0.30769 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal number surface length G1 1 107.05751 G2 8 −8.96757 G3 17 17.52950 G4 24 −30.00001 G5 27 27.53859 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(10) (−f2)/ft = 0.030 Conditional Expression(11) AVE1Grpvd = 74.96 Conditional Expression(12) G1vd = 39.61 Conditional Expression(13) D12t/D12w = 108.00 Conditional Expression(14) β2t/β2w = 12.35 Conditional Expression(15) f3/ft = 0.059

Based on Table 7, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL7 according to the present example the conditional expressions (10) to (15) are satisfied.

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding a zoom lens ZL7 according to Example 7 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 18A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 18B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 18C depicts a telephoto end state.

As it is obvious based on each group showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL7 according to Example 7 various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding imaging performance is obtained.

Example 8

Example 8 is described using FIG. 19, FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C, and Table 8. The zoom lens ZLII according to Example 8 (ZL8) comprises, in order from the object as shown in FIG. 19, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a negative meniscus lens L22 having a concave surface facing the object, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a biconcave negative lens L24.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a positive lens L31 having a convex surface facing the object, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L34. Both sides of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a positive meniscus lens L41 having a convex surface facing the image and a biconcave negative lens L42.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. The object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L51 is aspherical.

An aperture stop S is provided on the object side of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the quantity of light.

The filter FL is provided on the image side of the fifth lens group G5. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL8 according to the present example, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, all lens groups from the first lens group G1 to the fifth lens group G5 are moved so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side. The second lens group G2 is moved once to the image surface side, and afterward moved to the object side. The third lens group G3 is moved to the object side. The fourth lens group G4 is moved to the object side. The fifth lens group G5 is moved to the image surface side. An aperture stop S is moved to the object side together with the third lens group G3.

The following Table 8 shows values of each various data in Example 8. The surface numbers 1 to 33 in Table 8 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m33 shown in FIG. 19.

TABLE 8 [Lens Data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 263.0063 2.3000 1.7859 44.17  2 82.7549 7.0000 1.4370 95.10  3 −1109.1351 0.1000  4 85.5748 5.8000 1.4370 95.10  5 520.4380 0.1000  6 84.6851 5.0982 1.4978 82.57  7 302.4541 D7(Variable)  8 49.5072 1.0000 1.8830 40.66  9 11.5546 5.7000 10 −21.8668 0.8000 1.8348 42.73 11 −21914.3660 0.1000 12 28.1612 3.7500 1.9229 20.88 13 −46.2757 1.5083 14 −19.3983 0.7000 1.6968 55.46 15 259.7592 D15(Variable) 16 ∞ 0.1000 (Stop S) *17  11.6667 2.7000 1.5533 71.68 *18  8376.3479 2.0436 19 18.0472 1.0000 1.9037 31.31 20 11.0864 2.0000 21 17.1967 0.5000 1.7995 42.09 22 10.6441 3.0000 1.4978 82.57 23 −28.9001 D23(Variable) 24 −105.3136 2.4205 1.5317 48.78 25 −17.9207 0.5000 1.4978 82.57 26 22.9810 D26(Variable) *27  29.1256 2.0436 1.5891 61.25 28 −20.0000 0.5000 1.7174 29.57 29 −45.0948 D29(Variable) 30 ∞ 0.2100 1.5168 63.88 31 ∞ 0.8500 32 ∞ 0.5000 1.5168 63.88 33 ∞ Bf Image ∞ surface [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 17 0.9914 −2.7993E−05  −4.2955E−07 1.1909E−08 0.0000E+00 18 1.0000 5.0164E−05 −4.0760E−07 1.8325E−08 −6.1745E−11  27 −3.5175 1.1021E−05 −2.3098E−07 1.6357E−08 0.0000E+00 [General Data] Zooming rate 97.00 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 4.430 43.630 429.712 Fno 2.70160 5.08497 8.28574 ω 43.39124 5.27441 0.53600 Bf 0.400 0.400 0.400 Bf(Air) 10.972 1.642 1.623 TL 130.7843 173.5863 217.4697 TL(Air) 131.0263 173.8283 217.7117 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end D7 0.75000 68.26231 102.51459 D15 60.14750 19.05527 3.07934 D23 1.33023 16.10976 11.63827 D26 5.74536 16.66072 46.75849 D29 10.3295 1.00000 0.98126 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal number surface length G1 1 129.99999 G2 8 −10.74275 G3 17 20.08616 G4 24 −40.00002 G5 27 34.00000 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(10) (−f2)/ft = 0.025 Conditional Expression(11) AVE1Grpvd = 79.24 Conditional Expression(12) G1vd = 44.17 Conditional Expression(13) D12t/D12w = 136.69 Conditional Expression(14) β2t/β2w = 14.30 Conditional Expression(15) f3/ft = 0.047

Based on Table 8, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL8 according to the present example the conditional expressions (10) to (15) are satisfied.

FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding a zoom lens ZL8 according to Example 8 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 20A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 20B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 20C depicts a telephoto end state.

As it is obvious based on each graph showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C, it is found that in the excellent and zoom lens ZL8 according to Example 8 various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding imaging performance is obtained.

Example 9

Example 9 is described using FIG. 21, FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C, and Table 9. The zoom lens ZLII according to Example 9 (ZL9) comprises, in order from an object as shown in FIG. 21, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power, and a sixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a biconcave negative lens L22, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a biconcave negative lens L24.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a positive meniscus lens L31 having a convex surface facing the object, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L34. Both side surfaces of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a positive meniscus lens L41 having a convex surface facing the image and a biconcave negative lens L42.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. The object side surface of the biconvex positive lens L51 is aspherical.

The sixth lens group G6 is composed of a positive meniscus lens L61 having a convex surface facing the image.

An aperture stop S is provided on the object side of the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the quantity of light.

An filter FL is provided on the image side of the sixth lens group G6. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL9 according to the present example, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, all lens groups from the first lens group G1 to the sixth lens group G6 are moved so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side. The second lens group G2 is moved to the image surface side. The third lens group G3 is moved to the object side. The fourth lens group G4 is moved to the object side. The fifth lens group G5 is moved to the image surface side. The sixth lens group G6 is moved to the object side. The aperture stop S is moved to the object side together with the third lens group G3.

The following Table 9 shows values of each various data in Example 9. The surface numbers 1 to 35 in Table 9 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m35 shown in FIG. 21.

TABLE 9 [Lens Data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 185.9259 2.3000 1.900433 37.37  2 93.7725 7.0058 1.437001 95.10  3 −2966.2960 0.1000  4 90.7425 5.1630 1.437001 95.10  5 576.7002 0.1000  6 91.5818 4.5000 1.497820 82.57  7 271.0724 D7(Variable)  8 85.5699 1.0000 1.883000 40.66  9 13.7260 8.0241 10 −25.3126 0.8000 1.834810 42.73 11 100.2702 0.1000 12 32.0359 3.4979 1.922860 20.88 13 −40.2295 1.9112 14 −20.0004 0.7000 1.696802 55.46 15 534.4663 D15(Variable) 16 ∞ 0.1000 (Stop S) *17  11.8578 2.7000 1.553319 71.68 *18  358.4613 2.0000 19 15.5677 1.0000 1.903658 31.31 20 11.2909 1.5000 21 18.2012 0.5000 1.799520 42.09 22 9.1742 3.0523 1.497820 82.57 23 −39.5155 D23(Variable) 24 −147.7108 2.5218 1.53172 48.78 25 −28.3514 0.5000 1.49782 82.57 26 21.1401 D26(Variable) *27  38.0765 2.0000 1.58913 61.25 28 −20.0000 0.5000 1.71736 29.57 29 −34.6793 D29(Variable) 30 −35.0000 1.1441 1.49782 82.57 31 −30.0000 D31(Variable) 32 ∞ 0.2100 1.51680 63.88 33 ∞ 0.8500 34 ∞ 0.5000 1.51680 63.88 35 ∞ Bf Image ∞ surface [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 17 1.0048 −2.5489E−05 −3.9473E−07 9.6614E−09 0.0000E+00 18 1.0000  3.9703E−05 −3.5578E−07 1.5790E−08 −6.1745E−11  27 1.0000 −2.7472E−05  6.8463E−07 −1.6469E−08  0.0000E+00 [General Data] Zooming rate 97.00 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 4.430 43.631 429.720 Fno 2.92486 5.69847 8.77338 ω 43.21864 5.26157 0.53559 Bf 0.400 0.400 0.400 Bf(Air) 9.938 1.860 0.942 TL 138.4644 180.7524 212.5374 TL(Air) 138.7064 180.9944 212.7794 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end D7 0.75000 67.31512 100.20497 D15 65.74525 22.59867 1.00000 D23 2.75173 14.55177 30.65337 D26 5.38192 20.23914 24.82268 D29 9.29589 1.21841 0.30000 D31 0.10000 0.37749 1.09589 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal number surface length G1 1 129.99999 G2 8 −10.65737 G3 17 21.00000 G4 24 −38.30835 G5 27 33.99853 G6 30 392.02507 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(10) (−f2)/ft = 0.025 Conditional Expression(11) AVE1Grpvd = 77.54 Conditional Expression(12) G1vd = 37.37 Conditional Expression(13) D12t/D12w = 133.616 Conditional Expression(14) β2t/β2w = 12.35 Conditional Expression(15) f3/ft = 0.049

Based on Table 9, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL9 according to the present example the conditional expressions (10) to (15) are satisfied.

FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity of the zoom lens ZL9 according to Example 9 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 22A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 22B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 22C depicts a telephoto end state.

As it is obvious based on each graph showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL9 according to Example 9, various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding imaging performance is obtained.

In order to make the present invention understandable, the descriptions were made with elements of the embodiments, however, needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above.

For example, in the above example the five and six group configurations are exampled, however, other group configurations can be adopted. Specifically, this is applicable to a configuration in which a lens or a lens group is added closest to the object, or a configuration in which a lens or a lens group is added closest to the image. Note that a lens group means part which has at least one lens separated with an air distance which changes upon zooming.

It is appreciated that the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment adopts a focusing lens group in which a single or a plurality of lens groups, or a partial lens group are moved to the optical axis, so that focusing from an infinity object to a short-distance object is performed. This focusing lens group is also applicable to autofocus, and is also suitable for motor drive for autofocus (using an ultrasonic motor, etc.). In particular, it is appreciated that the fourth lens group G4 is used as a focusing lens group. it is appreciated that the fifth lens group G5 is configured as a focusing lens group. Or, it is also possible to perform focusing by concurrently moving the fourth lens group G4 and the fifth lens group G5.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, each whole lens group or a partial lens group may be configured as a vibration-proof lens group to correct image blur generated due to camera shake, etc. by moving it in a manner of having a component in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, or rotating and moving (swinging) it in an inner surface direction including the optical axis. In particular, it is preferable that the third lens group G3 is used as a vibration-proof lens group.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, a lens surface may be configured with a spherical surface or a plane, or configured with an aspherical surface. In a case that a lens surface has a spherical surface or a plane, it is possible to easily have lens processing and an assembly adjustment, and to prevent degradation of optical performance due to errors of the processing and the assembly adjustment, thus it is preferable. It is preferable because there is less degradation of depiction performance when an image surface is shifted. In a case that a lens surface has an aspherical surface, it is appreciated that the aspherical surface is formed as any one of an aspherical surface which is formed through grinding processing, a glass mold aspherical surface which glass is formed into an aspherical surface configuration using a mold, and a complexed aspherical surface which a resin is formed on a surface of glass and formed in an aspherical surface configuration. It is appreciated that a lens surface is formed as a diffractive surface, additionally a lens is formed as a graded-index lens (GRIN lens) or a plastic lens.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, it is preferable that the aperture stop S is disposed in the third lens group G3, or in its vicinity, however, instead of providing a member as an aperture stop, the role may be substituted with a frame of the lens.

In the zoom lens ZLII according to the third embodiment, an antireflection film having high transmittivity in a large wavelength band may be applied to each lens surface in order to reduce flare and ghost and attain high optical performance with high contrast.

Description of the Embodiments (Fourth Embodiment)

Hereinafter, an embodiment is described referring to the drawings. The zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment comprises, in order from the object as shown in FIG. 26, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

With this arrangement, it is possible to achieve high zoom magnification.

Based on the configurations above, in the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, the following conditional expressions (16) to (18) are satisfied.

33.00<ft/(−f2)<46.00  (16)

1.60<(Fnt·f1)/ft<2.30.  (17)

43.00<β2t·β3t/(β2w·β3w)<65.00  (18)

-   -   where, ft denotes a focal length of the whole system in a         telephoto end state,     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group G2,     -   Fnt denotes an F value in a telephoto end state,     -   f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group G1,     -   β2t denotes magnification of the second lens group G2 in a         telephoto end state,     -   β3t denotes magnification of the third lens group G3 in the         telephoto end state,     -   β2w denotes magnification of the second lens group G2 in a wide         angle end state, and     -   β3w denotes magnification of the third lens group G3 in the wide         angle end state.

The conditional expression (16) defines a ratio between a focal length of the whole system in a telephoto end state and a focal length of the second lens group G2.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (16), various aberrations such as lateral chromatic aberration, coma aberration, and astigmatism will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (16) to 45.00.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (16), various aberrations such as lateral chromatic aberration, coma aberration, and astigmatism will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (16) to 34.00.

The conditional expression (17) defines an F value of the first lens group G1 in a telephoto end state.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (17), various aberrations such as coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, etc. in a telephoto end state get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (17) to 2.20.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (17), various aberrations such as coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, etc. in a telephoto end state will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (17) to 1.70.

The conditional expression (18) defines a zooming rate between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (18), various aberrations such as coma aberration and spherical aberration will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (18) to 63.00.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (18), various aberrations such as coma aberration and spherical aberration get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (18) to 45.00.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that distances between each mutually adjacent lens group change upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state.

With this arrangement, it is possible to achieve high zoom magnification.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that all lens groups move upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state.

With this arrangement, it is possible to achieve a further wide angle and high zoom magnification while maintaining the size of the whole lens, and astigmatism and chromatic aberration.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the fifth lens group G5 is composed of one positive lens and one negative lens.

With this arrangement, it is possible to achieve a further wide angle and high zoom magnification while maintaining the size of the whole lens, and astigmatism and chromatic aberration.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (19) is satisfied.

15.00<ft/f3<19.00  (19)

-   -   where, f3 denotes a focal length of the third lens group G3.

The conditional expression (19) defines a ratio between a focal length of the whole system in a telephoto end state and a focal length of the third lens group G3.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (19), various aberrations such as coma aberration, etc. will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (19) to 18.50.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (19), various aberrations such as coma aberrations will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (19) to 15.50.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (20) is satisfied.

15.00<β2t/β2w<25.00  (20)

-   -   where, β2w denotes magnification of the second lens group G2 in         a wide angle end state, and     -   β2t denotes magnification of the second lens group G2 in a         telephoto end state.

The conditional expression (20) defines magnification of the second lens group G2 in the wide angle end state, and magnification of the second lens group G2 in the telephoto end state.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (20), various aberrations such as coma aberration, etc. will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (20) to 24.00.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (20), various aberrations such as coma and astigmatism, etc. will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (20) to 16.00.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (21) is satisfied.

2.00<f3/(−f2)<2.70  (21)

-   -   where, f3 denotes a focal length of the third lens group G3.

The conditional expression (21) defines a ratio between a focal length of the second lens group G2 and a focal length of the third lens group G3.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (21), various aberrations such as distortion, astigmatism, and coma aberration, etc. will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (21) to 2.60.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (21), various aberrations such as distortion, astigmatism, and coma aberration will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (21) to 2.10.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (22) is satisfied.

15.00<f1/fw<40.00  (22)

-   -   where, fw denotes a focal length of the whole system in a wide         angle end state.

The conditional expression (22) defines a ratio between a focal length of the first lens group G1 and a focal length of the whole system in the wide angle end state.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (22), various aberrations such as distortion, astigmatism, and coma aberration will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (22) to 35.00.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (22), various aberrations such as distortion, astigmatism, and coma aberration will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (22) to 19.00.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (23) is satisfied.

10.00<ft/x2<40.00  (23)

-   -   where, x2 denotes a distance which the second lens group G2         moves in an image surface direction against an imaging position         upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end         state.

The conditional expression (23) defines a ratio between a distance which the second lens group G2 moves upon zooming from the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state, and a focal length of the whole system in the telephoto end state.

When exceeding the upper limit of the conditional expression (23), various aberrations such as coma aberrations will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the upper limit of the conditional expression (23) to 37.00.

When deceeding the lower limit of the conditional expression (23), various aberrations such as coma aberration will get worse, thus it is not preferable.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the conditional expression (23) to 15.00.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to have an aperture stop S between the second lens group G2 and the fourth lens group G4.

With this arrangement, it is possible to appropriately correct various aberrations such as spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion, etc.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to have aperture stop S between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3.

With this arrangement, it is possible to appropriately correct various aberrations such as spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion, etc.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable to move the aperture stop S in the optical axis direction upon zooming.

With this arrangement, it is possible to appropriately correct various aberrations such as spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion, etc.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (24) is satisfied.

0.10°<ωt<5.00°  (24)

-   -   where, ωt denotes a half angle of view in a telephoto end state.

The conditional expressions (24) shows a condition defining an optimal value of the angle of view in a telephoto end state. By satisfying this conditional expression (24), it is possible to appropriately correct various aberrations such as coma aberration, distortion, and curvature of field, etc.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit of the conditional expression (24) is 4.00°. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit of the conditional expression (24) is 3.00°. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit of the conditional expression (24) is 2.00°. In order to additionally ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit of the conditional expression (24) is 1.00°.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the lower limit of the conditional expression (24) is 0.30°. In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the lower limit of the conditional expression (24) is 0.50°.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (25) is satisfied.

25.00°<ωw<80.00°  (25)

-   -   where, ωw denotes a half angle of view in a wide angle end         state.

The conditional expressions (25) shows a condition defining an optimal value of an angle of view in a wide angle end state. By satisfying this conditional expression (25), it is possible to appropriately correct various aberrations such as coma aberration, distortion, and curvature of field while having a wide angle of view.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit of the conditional expression (25) is 70.00°. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit of the conditional expression (25) is 60.00°. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit of the conditional expression (25) is 50.00°.

In order to ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the lower limit of the conditional expression (25) is 30.00°. In order to further ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the lower limit of the conditional expression (25) is 35.00°. In order to additionally ensure the advantageous effect of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the lower limit of the conditional expression (25) is 40.00°.

According to the zoom lens ZLIII set forth in the fourth embodiment equipped with the above configurations, it is possible to realize a zoom lens enabling to achieve a further wide angle and high zoom magnification while maintaining the size of the whole lens, and good optical performance.

Next, referring to FIG. 32, a camera (optical apparatus) equipped with the zoom lens ZLIII is explained. A camera 31 is, as shown in FIG. 32, a lens-interchangeable camera (so-called mirror-less camera) equipped with the above zoom lens ZLIII as an imaging lens 32. In this camera 31, light from an illustrated object (subject) is condensed by the imaging lens 32, and configures a subject image on an imaging surface of the imaging unit 33 via an unillustrated OLPF (Optical low pass filter). An image of the subject is created by photoelectrically converting the subject by a photoelectrtic conversion element provided in the imaging unit 33. This picture is displayed on a EVF (Electronic view finder) 34 provided in the camera 31. With this arrangement, it is possible to observe the subject via the EVF 34. When an unillustrated release button is pressed by a photographer, an image of the subject is memorized in an unillustrated memory. Accordingly, the photographer can shoot the subject with the camera 31.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment equipped with in the camera 31 as the imaging lens 32 has, as found based on each example mentioned below, it is possible to achieve a further wide angle and high zoom magnification with characteristic lens configurations while maintaining the size of the whole lens and good optical performance. Therefore, according to the camera 31, it is possible to realize an optical apparatus which enables to achieve a further wide angle and high zoom magnification while maintaining the size of the whole lens and good optical performance.

Note that in the fourth embodiment, a mirror-less camera was explained, however it is not limited to this. Note that in case of installing the above zoom lens ZLIII on a single-lens reflex type camera having a quick return mirror and observing a subject with a finder optical system, the same advantageous effect as the above camera 31 can be obtained.

Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the zoom lens ZLIII is outlined with reference to FIG. 33. Firstly, each lens is disposed within a lens barrel so that a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power in order from an object (Step ST410). Each lens is disposed within the lens barrel so that the following conditional expressions (16) to (18) are satisfied (Step ST420).

33.00<ft/(−f2)<46.00  (16)

1.60<(Fnt·f1)/ft<2.30.  (17)

43.00<β2t·β3t/(β2w·β3w)<65.00  (18)

-   -   where, ft denotes a focal length of the whole system in a         telephoto end state,     -   f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group G2,     -   Fnt denotes an F value in the telephoto end state,     -   f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group G1,     -   β2t denotes magnification of the second lens group G2 in the         telephoto end state,     -   β3t denotes magnification of the third lens group G3 in the         telephoto end state,     -   β2w denotes magnification of the second lens group G2 in a wide         angle end state, and     -   β3w denotes magnification of the third lens group G3 in the wide         angle end state.

Exampling lens configurations according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, in order from the object, the first lens group G1 is composed of a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a positive meniscus lens L12 having a convex surface facing the object, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object, the second lens group G2 is composed of a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a biconcave negative lens L22, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a negative meniscus lens L24 having a concave surface facing the object, the third lens group G3 is composed of a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a biconcave negative lens L33 and a biconvex positive lens L34, the fourth lens group G4 is composed of a biconcave negative lens L41, and the fifth lens group G5 is composed of a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object. Each lens group prepared as above is arranged in the procedures above, then the zoom lens ZLIII is manufactured.

According to the manufacturing method set forth in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to manufacture the zoom lens ZLIII which enables to achieve a further wide angle and high zoom magnification while maintaining the size of the whole lens and good optical performance.

Examples According to Fourth Embodiment

Next, each example according to the fourth embodiment is described based on the drawings. FIGS. 26, 28 and 30 illustrate sectional views showing configurations and refractive power distribution of the zoom lens ZLIII (ZL10 to ZL12) according to each example. An arrow indicates a movement direction of each lens group upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state in the button of the sectional views of the zoom lenses ZL10 to ZL12.

Each reference sign regarding FIG. 26 according to Example 10 is used independently for every example, in order to avoid complicating explanations due to swelling of the digit number of reference signs. Therefore, even if attached with the same reference signs as those in drawings according to other examples, this does not necessarily mean the same configurations as those in the other examples.

Tables 10 to 12 are shown below, and these are tables showing each various data in Examples 10 to 12.

In each example, d-line (wave length of 587.6 nm) and g-line (wave length of 435.8 nm) are selected as subjects for calculating aberration characteristics.

In [Lens data] in tables, a surface number means an order of each optical surface from the object side along a direction light travels, R means a radius of curvature of each optical surface, D means a surface distance on the optical axis from each optical surface to the next optical surface (or image surface), nd means a refractive index against d-line of a material of a optical member, and ν d means an Abbe number on the basis of d-line of a material of the light member. Object surface means an object surface, Di means a surface distance (surface distance between the i-th surface and the (i+1)-th surface), “∞” of a radius of curvature means a plane or an aperture, (Apeture stop) means an aperture stop S, and an image surface means an image surface I. The refractive index “1.0000” of air is omitted. In a case the optical surface is an aspherical surface, a sign “*” is assigned to the surface number and a paraxial radius of curvature is shown in a column of a radius of curvature R.

In [General data] in tables, φ means a diameter of an aperture stop, Fno means an f number, 2ω means an angle of view (unit: °), BF means a distance on the optical axis from the lens last surface to the paraxial image surface, BF(air) means what a distance from the lens last surface to the paraxial image surface is described in air-equivalent length, TL means a distance on the optical axis from the lens forefront surface to the paraxial image surface, and TL(air) means what is BF(air) is added to a distance on the optical axis from the lens forefront surface to the lens last surface).

In [Aspherical surface data] in tables, regarding the aspherical surfaces in [Lens data], the configuration is defined by the following expression (a). X(y) means a distance along the optical axis direction from a tangent plane in a vertex of the aspherical surface to a position on the aspherical surface at a height y, and R means a radius of curvature (paraxial radius of curvature) of a criterion spherical surface, κ means a conic constant, and, Ai means an i-th aspherical surface coefficient. “E−n” means “×10^(−n).” For example, it is 1.234E-05=1.234×10-⁵. Note that the secondary aspherical surface coefficient A2 is 0, and its description is omitted.

X(y)=(y ² /R)/{1+(1−κ×y ² /R ²)^(1/2) }+A4×y ⁴ +A6×y ⁶ +A8×y ⁸ +A10×y ¹⁰  (a)

In [Variable distance data] in tables, values Di of a variable distance in each state of a wide angle end state, an intermediate focal length state, and a telephoto end state are shown. Note that Di means a variable distance between an i-th surface and an (i+1)-th surface.

In [Lens group data] in tables, G means a group number, a group starting surface means a surface number arranged closest to the object side of each group, a group focal length means a focal length of each group, and a lens configuration length means a distance on the optical axis from a lens surface arranged closest to the object side of each group to a lens surface arranged closest to the image.

Values corresponding to the conditional expressions (16) to (25) are shown in [Conditional expressions] in tables.

Hereinafter, in all general data values, regarding the focal length f, a radius of curvature R, a surface distance D, and other lengths, etc. as shown, “mm” is generally used except a specific request, however an optical system is not limited to the above, since equivalent optical performance can be obtained even if the optical system is proportionally scaled. The unit is not limited to “mm,” another appropriate unit is available, instead.

The explanations concerning the tables are common among all the examples, thus hereinafter the explanation is omitted.

Example 10

Example 10 is described using FIG. 26, FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C, and Table 10. The zoom lens ZLIII according to Example 10 (ZL10) comprises, as shown in FIG. 26, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a positive meniscus lens L12 having a convex surface facing the object, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a biconcave negative lens L22, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a negative meniscus lens L24 having a concave surface facing the object. Both side surfaces of the negative meniscus lens L21 are aspherical.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a biconcave negative lens L33 and a biconvex positive lens L34. Both side surfaces of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of a biconcave negative lenses L41.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object.

An aperture stop S is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the quantity of light.

The filter group FL is disposed between the fifth lens group G5 and the image surface I. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL10 according to the present example, zooming is performed by moving all lens groups G1 to G5 and the aperture stop S in the optical axis direction so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side, the second lens group G2 is moved to the image side, the third lens group G3 is moved to the object side, the fourth lens group G4 is moved to the object side, and the fifth lens group G5 is moved once to the object side, and afterward moved to the image side. The aperture stop S is moved to the object side separately from each lens group upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state.

The following Table 10 shows values of each various data in Example 10. The surface numbers 1 to 30 in Table 10 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m30 shown in FIG. 26.

TABLE 10 [Lens data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 299.113 3.74 1.8348 42.7  2 112.365 12.9  1.4370 95.0  3 7582.022 0.42  4 132.075 9.36 1.4978 82.6  5 631.671 0.42  6 129.950 9.78 1.4978 82.6  7 1116.862 (D7)  *8 1147.820 2.29 1.8820 37.2 *9 14.801 9.78 10 −46.021 1.87 1.8348 42.7 11 169.618 1.04 12 49.381 5.82 1.9229 20.9 13 −43.941 1.04 14 −36.266 1.66 1.9108 35.3 15 −220.373 (D15) 16 ∞ (D16) (Aperture Stop) *17  19.853 4.59 1.5533 71.7 *18  −43.626 4.59 19 52.966 0.92 1.9108 35.3 20 22.035 3.09 21 −144.583 0.92 1.8340 37.2 22 55.310 4.59 1.4978 82.6 23 −23.136 (D23) 24 −6040.775 1.04 1.4875 70.3 25 52.947 (D25) 26 31.075 5.20 1.4875 70.3 27 −37.574 1.66 1.9108 35.3 28 −84.589 (D28) 29 ∞ 2.02 1.5168 63.9 30 ∞ (BF) Image ∞ surface [General Data] Zooming rate 75.5 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 7.70 67.58 581.59 φ 14.48 14.48 16.22 Fno 2.75 5.02 6.44 2ω 92.58 13.446 1.5466 BF 1.00 1.00 1.00 BF(Air) 13.63 40.77 10.22 TL 210.44 273.47 321.86 TL(Air) 209.75 272.78 321.18 [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 8 1.0000 5.34E−06 −5.13E−08  1.59E−10 −1.68E−13  9 0.7435 4.24E−06 −8.79E−08  −1.70E−11  6.06E−13 17 1.0559 −1.84E−05  0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 18 1.0000 1.92E−05 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end f 7.70 67.58 581.59 D7 1.144 93.67035 144.51292 D15 63.81464 15.28327 0.57177 D16 24.06722 2.38004 0.23337 D23 7.13476 21.29766 14.87916 D25 13.25685 12.67442 64.04793 D28 11.29590 38.43652 7.88868 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal Lens configuration number surface length length G1 1 180.1 36.61 G2 8 −15.9 23.50 G3 17 35.9 18.69 G4 24 −107.7 1.04 G5 26 65.9 6.86 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(16) ft/(−f2) = 36.49 Conditional Expression(17) (Fnt · f1)/ft = 1.99 Conditional Expression(18) β2t · β3t/(β2w · β3w) = 53.90 Conditional Expression(19) ft/f3 = 16.18 Conditional Expression(20) β2t/β2w = 19.22 Conditional Expression(21) f3/(−f2) = 2.26 Conditional Expression(22) f1/fw = 23.38 Conditional Expression(23) ft/x2 = 18.20 Conditional Expression(24) ωt = 0.7733° Conditional Expression(25) ωw = 46.29°

Based on Table 10, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL10 according to the present example the conditional expressions (16) to (25) are satisfied.

FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens ZL10 according to Example 10 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 27A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 27B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 27C depicts a telephoto end state.

In each graph showing aberrations, FNO means an f number, and A means an half angle of view (unit: °). d means d-line, and g means g-line. What is not described means an aberration according to d-line. In graphs showing spherical aberration, a solid line indicates spherical aberration. In graphs showing astigmatism, a solid line indicates a sagittal image surface and a dashed-line shows a meridional image surface. In graphs showing coma aberration, a solid line indicates meridional coma aberration against g-lone and d-line of each incident angle or object height, a dashed line on the right side from the origin indicates sagittal coma aberration generated in a meridional direction with respect to d line, and a broken line on the left side from the origin indicates sagittal coma aberration generated in the sagittal direction with respect to d-line. Note that also in graphs showing aberrations of each example described below, the same signs are used as those in the present example.

As it is obvious based on each graph showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL10 according to Example 10 in each focal length state from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding optical performance is obtained. Concerning distortion, any optical correction is not needed because it is possible to sufficiently correct it by image processing after imaging.

Example 11

Example 11 is described using FIG. 28, FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C, and Table 11. The zoom lens ZLIII according to Example 11 (ZL11) comprises, in order from the object as shown in FIG. 28, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power, and a sixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L12, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconcave negative lens L21, a biconcave negative lens L22, a biconvex positive lens L23, and a negative meniscus lens L24 having a concave surface facing the object. The image side surface of the negative meniscus lens L21 is aspherical.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a biconcave negative lens L33 and a biconvex positive lens L34. Both side surfaces of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of a biconcave negative lenses L41.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface the object.

The sixth lens group G6 is composed of a biconvex positive lenses L61.

An aperture stop S is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the quantity of light.

The filter group FL is arranged between the sixth lens group G6 and the image surface I. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL11 according to the present example, zooming is performed by moving the first to fifth lens groups G1 to G5 and the aperture stop S in the optical axis direction, and fixing the sixth lens group G6 in position so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side, the second lens group G2 is moved once to the image side and afterward moved to the object side, the third lens group G3 is moved to the object side, the fourth lens group G4 is moved to the object side, the fifth lens group G5 is moved once to the object side and afterward moved to the image side, and the sixth lens group G6 is fixed in position to the image surface I. The aperture stop S is moved to the object side, separately from each lens group, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state.

The following Table 11 shows values of each various data according to Example 11. The surface numbers 1 to 32 in Table 11 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m32 shown in FIG. 28.

TABLE 11 [Lens data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 275.935 3.738 1.8348 42.7  2 115.550 16.405  1.4370 95.0  3 13143.500 0.415  4 122.063 13.290  1.4370 95.0  5 1070.443 0.415  6 130.766 10.591  1.4970 81.6  7 494.258 (D7)   8 −1739.519 1.869 1.8820 37.2 *9 13.578 10.277  10 −40.755 1.869 1.8348 42.7 11 158.411 1.038 12 49.075 5.607 1.9229 20.9 13 −45.763 1.038 14 −45.322 1.661 1.9108 35.3 15 −317.902 (D15) 16 ∞ (D16) (Aperture Stop) *17  24.225 6.230 1.5533 71.7 *18  −44.084 6.230 19 31.149 1.246 1.9108 35.3 20 21.553 3.115 21 −122.750 0.831 1.9538 32.3 22 38.038 5.191 1.4875 70.3 23 −20.976 (D23) 24 −142.256 2.077 1.4875 70.3 25 103.345 (D25) 26 32.393 5.191 1.4875 70.3 27 −74.819 1.038 1.8503 32.4 28 −183.548 (D28) 29 415.316 1.661 1.5311 55.9 30 −193.972 1.167 31 ∞ 1.424 1.5168 63.9 32 ∞ (BF) Image ∞ surface [General Data] Zooming rate 85.1 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 7.7 66.1 655.5 φ 10.86 13.68 17.24 Fno 3.63 4.97 6.34 2ω 91.98 13.87 1.38 BF 1.20 1.20 1.20 BF(Air) 3.30 3.30 3.30 TL 217.69 288.91 338.08 TL(Air) 217.20 288.42 337.59 [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 9 0.7082 −8.35E−07 −5.83E−08  4.69E−10 −1.82E−12  17 1.1650 −1.10E−05 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 18 1.0000  1.72E−05 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end f 7.7 66.1 655.5 D7 1.034 96.141 143.280 D15 57.059 13.662 0.963 D16 25.639 3.987 1.844 D23 4.317 15.343 5.882 D25 15.695 16.571 81.057 D28 9.130 38.393 0.239 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal Lens configuration number surface length length G1 1 179.62 44.85 G2 8 −14.74 23.36 G3 17 36.76 22.84 G4 24 −122.45 2.08 G5 26 67.49 6.23 G6 29 249.19 1.66 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(16) ft/(−f2) = 44.46 Conditional Expression(17) (Fnt · f1)/ft = 1.74 Conditional Expression(18) β2t · β3t/(β2w · β3w) = 54.86 Conditional Expression(19) ft/f3 = 17.84 Conditional Expression(20) β2t/β2w = 22.41 Conditional Expression(21) f3/(−f2) = 2.49 Conditional Expression(22) f1/fw = 23.33 Conditional Expression(23) ft/x2 = 30.00 Conditional Expression(24) ωt = 0.69° Conditional Expression(25) ωw = 45.99°

Based on Table 11, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL11 according to the present example the conditional expressions (16) to (25) are satisfied.

FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding the zoom lens ZL11 according to Example 11 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 29A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 29B depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 29C depicts a telephoto end state.

As it is obvious based on each graph showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C, in the zoom lens ZL11 according to Example 11, in each focal length status from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, various aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding optical performance is obtained. Concerning distortion, any optical correction is not needed because it is possible to sufficiently correct it by imaging processing after imaging.

Example 12

Example 12 is described using FIG. 30, FIGS. 31A, 31B and 31C, and Table 12. The zoom lens ZLIII according to Example 12 (ZL12) comprises, in order from the object as shown in FIG. 30, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power.

The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L11 having a concave surface facing the image and a positive meniscus lens L12 having a convex surface facing the object, a positive meniscus lens L13 having a convex surface facing the object, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convex surface facing the object.

The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object, a negative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing the image, a negative meniscus lens L22 having a concave surface facing the object, and a biconvex positive lens L23. The image side surface of the negative meniscus lens L21 is aspherical.

The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object, a biconvex positive lens L31, a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing the image, and a cemented lens composed of a negative meniscus lens L33 having a concave surface facing the image and a biconvex positive lens L34. Both side surfaces of the biconvex positive lens L31 are aspherical.

The fourth lens group G4 is composed of a negative meniscus lenses L41 having a concave surface facing the image.

The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object, a cemented lens composed of a biconvex positive lens L51 and a negative meniscus lens L52 having a concave surface facing the object.

An aperture stop S is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 for the purpose of aiming at adjusting the quantity of light.

The filter group FL is disposed between the fifth lens group G5 and the image surface I. The filter FL is composed of low-pass filters, infrared cut filters, etc. for cutting spatial frequencies more than the marginal resolution of a solid-state image sensing device, such as CCD disposed on the image surface I.

In the zoom lens ZL12 according to the present example, all lens groups G1 to G5 and the aperture stop S moved in the optical axis direction so that distances between each lens group change. Specifically, upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first lens group G1 is moved to the object side, the second lens group G2 is moved to the image side, the third lens group G3 is moved to the object side, the fourth lens group G4 is moved to the object side, and the fifth lens group G5 is moved once to the object side and afterward moved to the image side. The aperture stop S is moved to the object side separately from each lens group upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state.

The following Table 12 shows values of each various data according to Example 12. The surface numbers 1 to 28 in Table 12 correspond to each optical surface of m1 to m28 shown in FIG. 30.

TABLE 12 [Lens data] Surface number R D nd νd Object ∞ surface  1 244.999 3.323 1.8348 42.7  2 108.306 11.258  1.4370 95.0  3 1072.209 0.449  4 121.893 9.371 1.4370 95.0  5 1373.087 0.449  6 122.768 7.437 1.4970 81.6  7 471.470 (D7)   8 140.014 2.284 1.8514 40.1 *9 12.843 9.760 10 −22.876 1.502 1.8830 40.7 11 −813.948 0.441 12 78.912 3.141 1.9460 18.0 13 −58.918 (D13) 14 ∞ (D14) (Aperture Stop) *15  17.399 4.436 1.5533 71.7 *16  −136.593 3.766 17 26.925 1.280 1.9538 32.3 18 15.999 1.897 19 33.038 0.864 1.9538 32.3 20 22.735 3.659 1.4970 81.7 21 −52.794 (D21) 22 332.698 1.272 1.4875 70.3 23 50.549 (D23) 24 40.201 4.600 1.4875 70.3 25 −38.619 1.687 2.0010 29.1 26 −59.486 (D26) 27 ∞ 1.512 1.5168 63.9 28 ∞ (BF) Image ∞ surface [General Data] Zooming rate 64.3 Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto end focus end f 7.7 66.1 494.9 φ 10.59 11.88 13.33 Fno 3.22 5.08 6.28 2ω 92.93 13.76 1.83 BF 2.03 2.03 2.03 BF(Air) 15.39 45.35 9.30 TL 171.18 251.62 300.42 TL(Air) 170.66 251.11 299.90 [Aspherical Data] Surface number κ A4 A6 A8 A10 9 1.1197 −1.82E−05 −3.63E−07  4.88E−09 −3.46E−11  15 0.5972 −8.98E−06 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 16 1.0000  6.74E−06 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 [Variable Distance Data] Variable Wide angle Intermediate Telephoto distance end focus end f 7.7 66.1 494.9 D7 1.142 93.043 145.113 D13 47.825 8.383 0.839 D14 19.286 5.941 3.798 D21 9.849 13.311 7.613 D23 4.297 12.205 60.368 D26 12.363 42.320 6.270 [Lens Group Data] Group Group starting Group focal Lens configuration number surface length length G1 1 179.62 32.29 G2 8 −14.74 17.13 G3 15 31.77 15.90 G4 22 −122.45 1.27 G5 24 64.37 6.29 [Conditional Expression] Conditional Expression(16) ft/(−f2) = 33.57 Conditional Expression(17) (Fnt · f1)/ft = 2.28 Conditional Expression(18) β2t · β3t/(β2w · β3w) = 43.74 Conditional Expression(19) ft/f3 = 15.58 Conditional Expression(20) β2t/β2w = 18.92 Conditional Expression(21) f3/(−f2) = 2.15 Conditional Expression(22) f1/fw = 23.33 Conditional Expression(23) ft/x2 = 33.59 Conditional Expression(24) ωt = 0.915° Conditional Expression(25) ωw = 46.465°

Based on Table 12, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL12 according to the present example the conditional expressions (16) to (25) are satisfied.

FIGS. 31A, 31B and 31C illustrate graphs showing various aberrations upon focusing on imaging distance infinity regarding a zoom lens ZL12 according to Example 12 (graphs showing spherical aberration, astigmatism, distortion, coma aberration and lateral chromatic aberration), where FIG. 31A depicts a wide angle end state, FIG. 31b depicts an intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 31C depicts a telephoto end state.

As it is obvious based on a graph showing aberrations shown in FIGS. 31A, 31B and 31C, it is found that in the zoom lens ZL12 according to Example 12, in each focal length status from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, aberrations are appropriately corrected, and outstanding optical performance is obtained. Concerning distortion, an optical correction is not needed because it is possible to sufficiently correct it with image processing after imaging.

According to each example, it is possible to realize a zoom lens which enables to achieve a further wide angle and high zoom magnification while maintaining the size of the whole lens and good optical performance.

In order to make the present invention understandable, the descriptions were made with elements of the embodiments, however, needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above. The following contents can be suitably adopted within a range which does not spoil the optical performance of the zoom lens of the present application.

Although five and six group configurations are exampled as examples of values of the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, however they are not limited to these configurations, therefore another group configuration (for instance, seven groups, etc.) can be adopted. Specifically, this is applicable to a configuration in which a lens or a lens group is added closest to the object, or a configuration in which a lens or a lens group is added closest to the image. Note that a lens group means part which has at least one lens separated with an air distance which changes upon zooming.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, in order to perform focusing from an infinity object to a short-distance object, it is appreciated that part of lens group, a whole one lens group, or a plurality of lens groups is configured to move in the optical axis direction as a focusing lens group. This focusing lens group is also applicable to autofocus, and is also suitable for motor drive for autofocus (using an ultrasonic motor, etc.). In particular, it is preferable that the fourth lens group G4 or the fifth lens group G5 is configured as a focusing lens group.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, each whole lens group or a partial lens group may be configured as a vibration-proof lens group to correct image blur generated due to camera shake, etc. by moving it in a manner of having a component in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, or rotating and moving (swinging) it in an inner surface direction including the optical axis. In particular, it is preferable that the third lens group G3 is configured as a vibration-proof lens group.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the first and a second embodiments, a lens surface may be configured with a spherical surface or a plane, or configured with an aspherical surface. In a case that a lens surface has a spherical surface or a plane, it is possible to easily have lens processing and an assembly adjustment, and to prevent degradation of optical performance due to errors of the processing and the assembly adjustment, thus it is preferable. It is preferable because there is less degradation of the depiction performance when an image surface is shifted. In a case that a lens surface has an aspherical surface, it is appreciated that the aspherical surface is formed as any one of an aspherical surface which is formed through grinding processing, a glass mold aspherical surface which glass is formed into an aspherical surface configuration using a mold, and a complexed aspherical surface which a resin is formed on a surface of glass and formed in an aspherical surface configuration. It is appreciated that a lens surface is formed as a diffractive surface, additionally a lens is formed as a graded-index lens (GRIN lens) or a plastic lens.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the aperture stop S is disposed between the second lens group G2 to the fourth lens group G4, however, instead of providing a member as an aperture stop, the role may be substituted with a frame of the lens.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, an antireflection film having high transmittivity in a large wavelength band may be applied to each lens surface in order to reduce flare and ghost and attain high optical performance with high contrast.

In the zoom lens ZLIII according to the fourth embodiment, the zooming rate is approximately 20 to 150 times.

EXPLANATION OF NUMERALS AND CHARACTERS

-   -   ZLI (ZL1-ZL3) Zoom lens according to the first and second         embodiment     -   ZLII (ZL4-ZL9) Zoom lens according to the third embodiment     -   ZLIII (ZL10-ZL12) Zoom lens according to the fourth embodiment     -   G1 First lens group     -   G2 Second lens group     -   G3 Third lens group     -   G4 Fourth lens group     -   G5 Fifth lens group     -   G6 Sixth lens group     -   S Aperture stop     -   FL Filter (filter group)     -   I image surface     -   CAM1 Digital still camera (optical apparatus according to the         first and second embodiment)     -   CAM2 Digital still camera (optical apparatus according to the         third embodiment)     -   31 Camera (optical apparatus according to the fourth embodiment) 

1. A zoom lens comprising, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, and zooming being performed by changing distances between each lens group, and the first lens group being composed of three or more lenses, the fourth lens group being composed of two or less lenses, and the fifth lens group being composed of two or less lenses and moving to an image surface side upon zooming from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, and the following conditional expression being satisfied. 8.40<f1/(−f2) where, f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group, and f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group. 2-41. (canceled) 